Introduction

Bribery and corruption is everywhere. Just that it is more prevalent in certain parts of the world, than in other parts. Its really an unfortunate situation that we have to deal with everyday. Bribery and corruption has led to untold suffering in my city Aba. That is why in this article, I will highlight why these practices are common and suggest practical ways to deal with the menace.

To begin this discussion, here is why bribery and corruption is so prevalent in my city and modern society at large.

Bribery and Corruption - Why so common

I think I can answer why bribery and corruption are so common today, and that is - greed. Yes greed is the main driving force that propels people, especially public office holders to get involved in underhanded practices. People really want to make it by all means. Everyone wants to be the next success story without pursuing it the right way.

People need to understand that there is no shortcut to success. They also need to know that real financial success takes time. Until they acknowledge that, they will always try to make it at all costs. Because of the urge to get-rich-quick, people in positions of authority have abused their power in order to get some economic benefits that are not due to them.

Bribery and corruption in my city

Bribery and corruption is prevalent in my city Aba. It happens so often that many residents have learnt to live with it. This is because its usually from the higher powers or people in authority. Let me talk about 2 sectors where I have observed this happen.

1. In education: The education sector is rise with bribery. It is now part of the system. I really hope the education system will undergo a revolution. In the education sector, I have seen some teachers that bribe their way to get promotion. Some pay more to be transferred to a more preferable school. During examinations, students are expected to pay in order to pass their papers. Most times, they also pay in order to receive help during examinations.

Going up, bribery and corruption is rife in tertiary institutions. For example, female students are sometime sexually abused for grades. There are many cases where lecturers have been caught with female students in uncompromising situations. These are common in tertiary institutions today.

Another instance of bribery and corruption happens in form of misappropriation of funds in the education sector. Misappropriation of funds by the authorities managing the schools have resulted in several industrial actions (strikes) which affect the academic calendar and keep students at home. Academic staff is owed many months of unpaid salaries. These funds are diverted for personal reasons, resulting in strikes and other things.

These are ways bribery and corruption happen in the education sector.

2. In law enforcement: This is possibly where the seat of bribery and corruption is. Some law enforcement officials in city do things that are beyond normal, just to extort money from people. For example, motorists are expected to pay some levy to law enforcement in order to use the road everyday. Also, some law enforcement agents harass innocent citizens and use intimidation to compel them into making some payments.

In my city, once you wear a clean T-shirt have a good smartphone, you are already branded an internet fraudster (yahoo boy) by some law enforcement agencies. That will lead to immediate arrests, sometimes beating, intimidation and other acts in order to force you to part with valuables. This is an ugly situation that exists and need to change.

Some law enforcement agents also wrongly arrest innocent citizens for no legitimate reasons, such as for drinking during day time or relaxing in a bar. Some law enforcement agents conduct unlawful searching of someone's property too. These are some ways that corruption happens.

Why public office holders should not get involved in bribery and Corruption

1. Its dishonesty: Bribery and corruption are big forms of dishonesty. Trying to obtain financial benefits from people, often through illegal means makes one live dishonestly. Such a person will not have a clean conscious because they know what they are doing is wrong.

2. It soils their reputation: When a public office holder gets involved in bribery and corruption, they destroy the trust that people have in their institution. Unfortunately in my city, people no longer trust law enforcement officers because they have show that some of them are capable of doing many things to extort money. It has destroyed their reputation.

3. It affects other people negatively: mMany people suffer because of the results of bribery and corruption. Some people have been unlawfully arrested and detained. Some students have been given low grades or even failed their papers because they did not agree to briber education authorities. Many negative things come out from bribery and corruption.

What should be done to public office holders that get involved in bribery and corruption

The law is binding on all citizens including public office holders. The main problem is that they often go unpunished for the wrongs they commit. So, I suggest that the penalties stipulated by law should be implemented when a public office holder gets involved in illegal acts. That may include court actions and possible incarceration.

Conclusion

Bribery and corruption is wrong and should be avoided. Everyone should try to do the right things and do it right. It creates untold hardship on the victim. It creates a bad economy for us. When those in authority do the right things and abstain from bribery and corruption, everyone is happy.