CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines corruption as a
dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially of people in authority.
In philosophical, theological or moral discussions, corruption is
spiritual or moral impurity or deviation from an ideal. In economy,
corruption is payment for services, or materials which the recipient is not
entitled to under the law. In government, it is when an elected representative
makes decisions that are influenced by vested interest rather than legitimate
or established government or party regulations.
In life there are political, moral and systemic corruption or abuse of
power. Moral or political corruption involves the abuse of public power,
office or resources by elected government officials for personal gains, by
extortion, embezzlement, soliciting or offering bribes or other forms of
inducement. Official corruption is a specific form of a misconduct designed
to obtain undue benefits, personal gains or career advancements. Police
Officer, for example, sometimes flout the police code of conduct in order to
secure conviction of suspects through the use of falsified evidence.
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Systemic corruption is the complete subversion of a political or
economic system – which is primarily due to a weakness of an organization
or process. It can be contrasted with individuals, officials or agents who act
corruptly within the system. Lack of transparency, low pay, injustice,
greediness, exploitation and poverty are the factors that encourage
corruption.
Corruption poses a serious development challenge; it undermines
democracy and good government by flouting or even subverting formal
processes. Corruption in election and in legislative processes reduces
accountability and distorts representation in policy making. Corruption in
the judiciary compromises the rule of law and corruption in the public
administration results in the inefficient provision of services. It violates
basic principles of the country regarding the centrality of civic virtue.
Corruption facilitates environmental destruction. There is also industrial
corruption; this occurs when bribe is pride by a supplier to an industry or a
manufacturer in order to sell low quality goods at the price of good quality
products.
Corruption is a harmful force that hinders government and represses
individual in many countries throughout the world. It is generally a word
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used to qualify the existence of common social ills that affect the entire
aspects of our society.
Victimization is the process of being victimized, becoming a victim or
being unfairly punished. Victimization means making someone a group of
people to suffer unfairly because you do not like them, their opinions or
something that they have done. The trauma of victimization is a direct
reaction to the aftermath of unfair punishment. Victims suffer tremendous
amount of physical and psychological trauma. The physical injury suffered
by victim may be as apparent as cuts, bruises or broken arms and legs. It is
common for victims to be fatigued, unable to sleep or have increased or
decreased appetite.
Many victims believe that the stress caused by victimization
endangers or exposes them to physical or psychological problems later in
life.
In our society, people are victimized because of or for many reasons.
In the ancient days and still in some places women are being victimized after
their husbands’ death and when they are unable to give birth to children.
Women are often socially and psychologically victimized in the absence of
their husbands and children. Men who are impotent or childless suffer
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victimization by not allowing them to comfortably air their opinion in their
fellow men’s social gathering.
When one is denied of his rights and possessions and is maltreated for
no justifiable reasons, he is being victimized. Such a person often tries to
avoid society and especially the company of his victimizers or those opposed
to his way of life.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Nations, Organizations, Institutions and individuals especially those
mentioned in the novels understudy participate in or experience corruption
in different ways that are often overt or covert. Euphemisms are often used
to make corruption and/or victimization less offensive or palatable in the
society. Often, their perpetrators are ―honourable‖ or important people, in
short ―sacred cows‖ in the society—Those people ―respect‖ or fear to
confront. This study intends to explore the terminologies the culprits invent
and often use to hoodwink the society.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This research work is conducted as it is an area where nobody has
worked on. The study is being made to expose the problems caused by
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corruption and victimization and their effects on the national and private
sectors of our national life and economy and possibly proffer useful
suggestions/solutions to the malaise.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY/LIMITATIONS
Basically, the study is focused particularly on corruption and
victimization as explored in Tides by Isidore Okpewho and Children of
Oloibire by Anthony Abagha. References to Okpewho’s and Abagha’s
other works and works of other writers, journals, magazines and newspapers
would also be made to enrich the study.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research has both practical and theoretical significance to the
general public especially social organization, institutions, social activists,
psychologist, leaders and literary artists who should understand the level of
corruption and victimization operating in the society. It will also bring to
limelight the impacts of corruption and victimization on individuals and
society at large. This work is undertaken with the intention that the result
will be of help to the leaders of the nation at all levels of government, serve
as a good material to students and scholars as well as concerned persons who
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may like to make further research on this subject matter in the interest of all
and sundry.
METHODOLOGY
Since this study is based on Okpewho’s Tides and Abagha’s Children
of Oloibiri, the methodology will basically be literary in terms of what the
library and the internet will offer by way of critiques, journals, magazines,
newspapers and interviews on Niger Delta literature and environment.
