Yes, tackling corruption requires strong grassroots organisations to monitor and challenge the activities of government. Yet this will not be sufficient. The government also has a role to play in tackling corruption. Nigeria needs a holistic approach to tackle corruption.
First, we need to tackle the root causes of corruption. Patronage politics is one of the major causes of corruption in Nigeria. Political office aspirants who do not have enough funds to spend during election campaigns often seek help from ‘god fathers’ whom they have to pay back using public funds when they are in power. We need to reform election practices in Nigeria particularly the issue of campaign financing. We need stronger legislation and enforcement to prevent excessive spending by political parties and candidates during elections. Inevitably this needs sympathetic reformers in Government to complement the pressure from grassroots.
Second, it is not enough to build the capacity of grassroots organisations; they also need to be empowered with the right information. Transparency is a key factor making it possible to identify corruption flashpoints (for example the publishing of budgetary allocations to states and ministries and publishing government expenditures). This makes it easier for grassroots organisations to track and challenge government activities when necessary.
Third, we need to strengthen institutions charged with the responsibility of fighting corruption and punishing corrupt offenders through creating laws that make them independent from government and more effective. Grassroots organisation would play a key role in campaigning for these reforms but it also needs sympathetic reformers in government. John Githongo raises interesting points about the need for grassroots involvement in the fight against corruption, but this should not be an either/or situation. Both government and grassroots organisation have a major role to play in combating corruption.
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