Cleric seeks strong institutional frameworks against corruption

A Canada based Nigerian cleric, Pastor Amos Dada has tasked all government institutions globally and in Africa in particular to rise up against corruption and deal ruthlessly with it before the endemic phenomenon destroys our societies.

In a piece he titled, ‘ Say No to Corruption: A Call for Moral and Ethical Reawakening,” Dada drew excerpts from his published book,”To the Rescue: Say No to Corruption” and itemized several ways corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our society.

He said, “I feel a deep sense of responsibility to share insights from my research, particularly from my book, “To the Rescue: Say No to Corruption”, as my contribution toward ridding our society and nations, especially Africa of the scourge of corruption.

“Corruption will not simply vanish because we dislike it or recognize its harmful effects. It will only disappear when we make a deliberate, personal commitment to eradicate it from our lives. Let’s prepare for this vital work.

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“Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of society, undermining development, trust, and justice. It manifests in different forms—bribery, embezzlement, favoritism, nepotism, and misuse of power—and infiltrates both public and private sectors.

“The call to “Say No to Corruption” is not merely a slogan; it is a clarion call for moral and ethical reawakening in our societies, driven by a desire for justice, transparency, equity and prosperity.

“It refers to the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain. It violates basic principles of fairness, decency, and integrity, leading to widespread consequences such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

“While corruption is often associated with political offices and large corporations, it exists at every level of society.

“From small-scale bribery at local offices to large-scale embezzlement in government institutions, it disrupts social structures and hinders growth.”

The cleric also listed the causes of corruption to include, “weak legal and judicial systems, lack of accountability which captures lack of transparency in decision-making processes and unethical behaviour; Greed and Personal Gain: Cultural Norms and Expectations which embraces giving gifts or bribes to secure a contract or a favor and Economic inequalities which forces people who struggle to meet their basic needs, resort to bribery, fraud, or unethical practices to survive.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE