2. Religion And Corruption In Nigeria: Ethico-Moral View
Aitufe, Veronica Okpohowunwa, Ph.D
Religious Management and Cultural Studies. Ambrose Alli University,
Ekpoma, Edo State. Phone number: 08037326104/08077534615
Email: pastoraitufe99@gmail .com
Abstract
In this 21st century, the global landscape is a patchwork of faiths. Religious expressions are heading in various directions at the same time, and political conflicts involving religions are assuming great importance on the world scene today. All religions teach that one should not hurt others, should not lie, should not steal, should not usurp others’ rights, should not be greedy, but rather should be unselfish, considerate and helpful to others. Corruption, on the other hand, is the behavior that deviates from the formal rules of conduct governing the actions of someone in position of public authority because of private motives such as desire for wealth, power and/or status. The focus of this paper is to theoretically examine the compatibility of religion with corruption, or otherwise, and how religion can be used as an instrument to curb corruption and its excesses in Nigeria. The methods adopted in this paper include: historical, analytical, observational and evaluative. The paper discovers that religion is not compatible with corruption but that the practitioners can be corrupted. It recommends that religion should be clearly separated from the politics and economy of the nation in order to avoid a dangerous mix up. Finally, the paper concludes that Nigerians must allow what they learn from their various religious doctrines to mold and transform their characters and lifestyles positively. Arising from the results of the fight against corruption so far, it is obvious, that it requires more than the rule of law to win the battle because it is also a moral one.
Key Words: Compatibility, Corruption, Ethico-Moral, Nigeria, Religion.