Gift, Bribery and Corruption in Nigeria: A Philosophical Re-Interpretation

Deezia Burabari Sunday Senior Lecturer University of Port Harcourt About the Author: DEEZIA, BURABARI SUNDAY is of the Departm...

Deezia Burabari Sunday
Senior Lecturer
University of Port Harcourt

About the Author: DEEZIA, BURABARI SUNDAY is of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is a scholar, his research interest is based in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, with special reference to Ogoni (African) Philosophy. He has articles and book chapters in local and foreign publications. He is a member of the Nigerian Association of the Study of Religion (NASR), and Nigerian Association of Biblical Studies (NABIS).

Summary: Corruption is likened unto an endemic disease which has eaten deep into the social fabrics of Africa and Nigeria in particular. Ethical conduct has been considerably weakened as a result of traditional instruments of control, corruption and misappropriation of funds and the mushrooming of institutions among others, despite the existence of provisions such as 'Public Service Ethics' and 'Civil Service Ethics.'

Consequently, the demarcation between gift, bribery and corruption in Nigeria remains unclear. Though there are verbal condemnation of corruption, those in positions of authority still accept solvent donations to facilitate appointments and contracts. Thus, practicing bribery and corruption in disguise as gift. Using the philosophical method, the study addresses the conceptions and issues surrounding gift, bribery and corruption and as well draws the attention of the public to the effects of these unethical practices. One of the major objectives of this work is, therefore, to contribute to making ethical values and public morality a living project

Research article: Gift, Bribery and Corruption in Nigeria: A Philosophical Re--Interpretation