The Demand Side of the Anti-corruption War

in #perspectives7 years ago

The public declaration of a firm stance against corruption has formed a leading point in the manifesto of successive governments in Nigeria. This campaign promise that has lingered for so many years in the Nigerian political landscape has consistently left much to be desired in the mind of Nigerians about the perception and reality of corruption among government officials.

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This persistent failure has made it necessary for the formation of the much-needed “Demand-side” of the anti-corruption war in the country that will be championed by a critical mass of conscientious and active citizens.

Stimulating collective (critical mass) disapproval of corruption.

The creation and reinforcement of a social norm around the anti-graft war among Nigerians forms one of the low hanging fruits in stimulating the collective disapproval of corruption. The task of creating a paradigm shift to activate the mind of citizens who have, over the years, formed passive outlook towards governance constitutes an essential step towards this new social norm.

The fear of the social consequences (gossip, public shaming or loss of credibility and status) of falling below the collectively approved societal standard has been identified as an effective tool in driving moral compliance. This leads to a unique a situation where people engage in particular behaviour not only because they believe in the “cause” being addressed but they are afraid of being “left behind”. This has the potential of driving compliance on occasion of outdoor advocacy.

A completely new way of looking at the WAR against CORRUPTION. Can this hold the ultimate pill to end the cancer that has lingered with us for so long?