CORRUPTION AND INTEGRITY

Corruption and Integrity

Corruption and Integrity

Introduction

Implementation of all modes of rights, whether economic, social and cultural or civil and political, is seriously eroding the phenomenon of corruption. This is perhaps not necessary here to spend time on the definition of corruption, corruption, nevertheless, may be defined in a broad sense in the light of so many aspects that corruption can take. It can be defined in a narrower context, with particular emphasis on certain expressions of corruption, ie fraudulent acquisition by individuals or groups of individuals who use their privileged position in the national polity, to enrich themselves, or international dimension, such as organized crime and money laundering huge sums of money obtained through arms smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, etc.

Discussion

Corruption has been described as cancer, festering in the community, enriching the few and impoverishes many. Corruption unfortunately is universal, as no country is spared from this scourge. Draft OAU / AU Convention against Corruption admitted to undermine the influence of corruption on accountability and transparency in public affairs, as well as socio-economic development of the continent.

Economically, corruption leads to inefficient allocation of resources, increases the investment costs, reduced investor confidence, promotes inequalities and inefficiencies in the private sector and increases costs and reduces the quality of public sector projects and services. Diversion of public funds into private pockets or bank accounts (whether foreign or domestic) from the corrupt officials lead to denial of rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights. Corrupt public officials, taking over their offices tend to overlook the shoddy execution of public projects with dire consequences. Invariably, there are often accidents facilities; citizens' rights to adequate water supply, electricity, hospital needs, housing, etc. violated. Supplies of fake and under standard drugs is widespread in countries where corruption remains endemic, which leads to premature death, fetal malformation in pregnant women, etc (Fighting Corruption, 2001).

Unfortunately, many corrupt dictators in developing countries have been stolen from other countries, even poor, only to invest such funds in developed societies that do not ask questions about the origin of such funds, which are commonly known, that they were illegal. Equally worrisome was the massive destruction of the basic institutions of corruption. Developing countries are more adversely affected, as most institutions necessary for a stable polity are not spared. Seriously damaged by the bureaucracy and judiciary, continuing military operations in the polity, politicized armed forces and police, de-robed legislature, distorted financial institutions and poor education and health are among the fallout of corruption.

In many societies, poor governance breeds corruption and poverty. Unfortunately, poverty itself breeds corruption in society. Everywhere corruption frowned, but in many countries, corruption thrives, and becomes systemic or endemic, it becomes a way of life. In some it is a blatant and crude, while in others it can be refined and indeed camouflaged in public relations budgets. Be open, endemic or systemic, outrageous or polished, corruption has disastrous consequences for society as a whole and for the most vulnerable groups in ...