Federalism: The High-Octane Underwriter for and of Corruption in Nigeria

Abstract

The essence of federalism is to promote regional autonomy, foster development, provide checks and balances and to improve the wellbeing of the generality of Nigerians. Unfortunately, federalism has become a shield, cover-up and hiding place for corruption in Nigeria. In this sense, corruption is given the garb of tribalism and ties of kinship. The division of Nigeria into units and sections, which only serve to gather people of a like ethnic cleavage and who dip their hands into the Nigerian commonwealth and take away the funds meant for the people and end up being let off the hook, because that is what his people, or is kinsmen want. It has also deteriorated into Nigerians being drawn to criticise or condemn the said grievous acts of corruption or fending off the corrupt based on which region or area the person hails from. This is why federalism staves off punishment, and works hard to hold the culprit from bearing the brunt of their action. Working through the hermeneutic and critical tools, we will seek to unravel this development, by reeving through what federalism is and what it is not, what ways it plays this role and how to curb this unwholesome move towards legalising corruption.