Public Assessment of Social Media Roles Towards Fighting Corruption in Nigeria
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To assess the extent of awareness and utilization of social media platforms among the Nigerian population concerning anti-corruption activities.
- To investigate the perceived effectiveness of social media in exposing, reporting, and raising awareness about corruption incidents in Nigeria.
- To identify the challenges and limitations faced in leveraging social media for anti-corruption efforts within the Nigerian context.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Meaning of Corruption:
According to Stople (2008), United Nations Convention against corruption recognized corruption as a multi-faceted, dynamic and flexible phenomenon, and therefore does not define, but describe corrupt practices. Corruption may not be easy to define but, according to Tanzi (1998), it is “generally not difficult to recognize when observed”. Corrupt acts require a minimum of two individuals from one or more communities, and either exchange or the promise of an exchange of money or services takes place; typically secret, the pact benefits the dyad to the detriment of everyone else.
According to Salisu (2000), the simplest definition of corruption is that it is the misapplication of public resources to private ends. For example, public officials may collect bribes for issuing passports or visa, for providing permits and licenses, for authorizing passage of goods at sea/air port, for awarding contracts or for enacting regulations designed to create artificial scarcity.
Macrae (1982) defined corruption as “an arrangement that involves an exchange between two parties (the demander and the supplier) which (i) has an influence on the allocation of resources either immediately or in the future; and (ii) involves the use or abuse of public or collective responsibility for private ends.”
Sternberg (2000) states that a “bribe is an incentive offered to encourage someone to break the rules of the organization he nominally represents and deliver an (unfairly) favorable outcome.”
Corrupt acts are increasingly regarded as “unfair” and indeed criminal by many high-income countries because the bribe-recipient’s betrayal of trust with his employer, when practiced systemically by high-ranking public officials, compromises the “development of fair and efficient markets” (Boatright, 1999). Acts of bribery are passive in that their voluntary acceptance offers an assurance of
personal advantage (but misuse of public responsibility) whereas extortion is proactive (aggressive) in its demand for something of value under threat of non-cooperation.
The role of the media is critical in promoting good governance and controlling corruption. It not only raises public awareness about corruption, its causes, consequences and possible remedies but also investigates and reports incidences of corruption. The effectiveness of the media, in turn, depends on access to information and freedom of expression, as well as a professional and ethical cadre of investigative journalists (Stapenhurst, 2000).
Ayoola (2008) opined that if democracy is to survive and be a fruitful concept, the role of the media in sustaining it through anti-corruption crusade couldn’t be overemphasized. He stated further that certain issues must be placed at the forefront of such endeavour. Primary of these is the proper understanding of the concept of democracy by all, and the nature of the media practice that can nurture democracy and create favourable environment for it to thrive. He further noted that the immediate challenges before the media right now was to crave for a conducive environment for democracy to take root and become sustainable through the enthronement of a culture of freedom of speech and freedom of expression; government accountability and qualitative civil society indirect participation in governance.
The fight against corruption in Nigeria one must acknowledge, is one of the most daunting and challenging task to embark on, but with political will and commitment by her leaders and the right attitude by all Nigerians there is no doubt that someday, the Transparency International will in her report rank Nigeria as one of the least corrupt countries in the world (Ameh, 2007).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine public assessment of social media roles towards fighting corruption in Nigeria. Residents in Port Harcourt form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain public assessment of social media roles towards fighting corruption in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing public assessment of social media roles towards fighting corruption in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on public assessment of social media roles towards fighting corruption in Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included: To assess the extent of awareness and utilization of social media platforms among the Nigerian population concerning anti-corruption activities, to investigate the perceived effectiveness of social media in exposing, reporting, and raising awareness about corruption incidents in Nigeria and to identify the challenges and limitations faced in leveraging social media for anti-corruption efforts within the Nigerian context. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Port Harcourt. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study on the public assessment of social media roles towards fighting corruption in Nigeria has provided valuable insights into the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of the Nigerian populace regarding the use of social media in combating corruption. Through empirical research and analysis, the study has illuminated several key findings:
- Social media platforms are widely utilized by Nigerians for anti-corruption activities, including reporting corruption incidents, raising awareness, and advocating for transparency and accountability.
- The perceived effectiveness of social media in fighting corruption varies among different segments of the population, influenced by factors such as socio-economic status, education level, and internet access.
- While social media has the potential to amplify anti-corruption efforts and mobilize public engagement, significant challenges exist, including misinformation, online harassment, censorship, and limited access to digital technologies.
- Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the instrumental role that social media can play in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance processes.
- Collaborative efforts involving government institutions, civil society organizations, media outlets, and international partners are essential for maximizing the impact of social media in combating corruption and fostering good governance in Nigeria.
Recommendations:
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the role of social media in fighting corruption in Nigeria:
- Invest in programs and initiatives to improve digital literacy skills among the Nigerian population, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This includes providing training on how to critically evaluate information, identify misinformation, and safely navigate social media platforms.
- Implement measures to address online harassment, cyberbullying, and threats to freedom of expression on social media platforms. Work with social media companies to develop and enforce policies that protect users’ privacy and safety while upholding the principles of free speech and democratic discourse.
- Increase transparency in government institutions and public agencies by leveraging social media to disseminate information, engage with citizens, and solicit feedback on policies and programs. Encourage public officials to embrace digital communication tools for proactive disclosure of information and responsive governance.
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