THE SYMBIOTIC BOND OF BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION: Nigeria’s Inseparable Twins (Part 2b)

Perspectives with Dr. Iyke Ezeugo

Bribery as the Fungal Infection of Nigeria’s Institutions

Building on my previous article, “The Symbiotic Bond of Bribery and Corruption: Nigeria’s Inseparable Twins,” I feel it essential to dive further into Part 2, titled “Bribery in Nigeria: Unpacking the Complexities,” for another layer of insight. This expanded view will dissect bribery’s inner workings, offering a clearer diagnosis before moving to Part 3, which will address corruption, bribery’s twin sibling. To keep with the thematic sequence, this part 2b will be titled Bribery as the Fungal Infection of Nigeria’s Institutions. This section will analyze bribery’s resemblance to a fungal infection—its insidious nature, wide reach, resilience, and stubborn resistance to treatment. The purpose is to equip those dedicated to curing bribery in Nigeria with a comprehensive understanding, empowering them with the insights needed to develop an effective solution, potentially exploring traditional or even native approaches.

From the medical prism, bribery in Nigeria resembles a silent yet dangerous fungal infection, one that infiltrates the body of society, threatening to compromise its very foundations. Like fungi, bribery thrives in darkness and areas moisturized with secrecy, spreading quickly, yet often unnoticed—until the effects become nearly irreversible.

In the human body, fungal infections are notoriously difficult to treat. The fungi’s resilient cellular structure, with its thick walls, shields it from antibiotics, and it adapts, evolving new defenses. Biofilms form as impenetrable barriers, allowing fungal colonies to flourish while defying immune responses. Bribery, much like this insidious invader, embeds itself deep into the systems of society, evading attempts at eradication. This is worse when conventional anti-corruption therapies are employed.

The human immune system, designed to defend, is often powerless against fungi’s clever disguises. Likewise, the moral immune system of Nigeria—the values, ethics, and integrity that should protect society—is often outsmarted by bribery’s cunning mechanisms. Infected by bribery, helpless souls and society slowly succumbs to this “disease” as it spreads, flourishing in environments of neglect and moral decay.

A single bribe, much like a fungal spore, can take root in the shadows, unseen but potent. It germinates in darkness, growing into a network of corruption that weakens individuals and entire institutions. Unchecked, it compromises moral fibers, corrodes values, and leaves the individual with endless desires, and host society increasingly vulnerable.

As bribery spreads, it creates a web of deceit that shields corrupt actions from exposure. Institutional “biofilms” develop, repelling reform efforts and blocking meaningful change. Bribery adapts, continually finding new ways to hide and resist accountability. It penetrates every aspect of society, undermining principles and values, fostering economic inefficiency, and causing public trust to deteriorate. It erodes the social immune system, rendering it incapable of fighting back effectively.

Even leaders who were once symbols of integrity can fall victim just by something as small and insignificant as wristwatch or similar gifts, becoming carriers of this “infection.” Disillusioned citizens, weary from enduring the repercussions of corruption, lose faith in the very institutions meant to protect them. The fabric of society begins to fray, as bribery and corruption work together to dismantle trust and hope.

Conquering the Bribery Infection: Lessons from Fungal Treatment

Nigeria’s battle against bribery and corruption can draw valuable insights from fungal infection treatment. Here are key strategies to overcome the bribery infection:

– Diagnosis and Transparency: Identify bribery’s root causes, just like a doctor diagnoses fungal infections. Transparency, like ultraviolet light, exposes corruption, weakening its grip. Measures to strengthen immune systems include prioritizing citizens’ and workers’ welfare and paying wages that match market realities.

– Accountability Mechanisms: Implement strong institutions and accountability structures, serving as society’s immune system to counter bribery and corruption’s spread. Operating stringent laws with severe penalties, like life imprisonment or death sentences, may be effective for defaulters.

– Education and Awareness: Cultivate a culture of integrity through education, empowering citizens to recognize, resist, and report bribery. Ensure reporting institutions truly abhor bribery and aren’t deceitful.

– Leadership and Zero-Tolerance: Leaders must set a tone of zero-tolerance, while citizens demand accountability, just like a surgeon precisely removes fungal infections. Ensure leaders aren’t products of bribery.

– Persistence and Collective Effort: Eradicating bribery requires persistence, courage, and a united front by the masses. By adopting these strategies, Nigeria can restore health, strength, and integrity to its institutions.

A Future Without Bribery

Together, Nigeria can:

– Foster Transparency and Accountability: Tailor transparency and accountability to Nigeria’s situation, making it attractive and sustainable.
– Empower Citizens: Protect and reward citizens for standing against bribery and corruption.
– *Strengthen Institutions: Remove bribery from leadership and growth paths for politicians and public servants.
– *Ensure Justice and Equality*: Provide justice and equality regardless of wealth or willingness to bribe.

The time to act is now. Let’s unite to defeat bribery, Nigeria’s silent killer, and build a brighter future where integrity thrives. Just like hypertension is Nigeria’s silent killer, bribery also silently destroys the nation’s fabric. But with collective effort, we can overcome this challenge.

Dr. Iyke Ezeugo is a Forensic Researcher, a Social Impact Expert, and Satirist who uses his perspectives and parodies to challenge the status quo, spark debates, and inspire fresh perspectives on public affairs through insightful intellectual injections.