Corruption in Public Office: Has the War Been Lost or Mismanaged

Ogbuka Ikenna Matthew, Eneasato, Benjamin O. and Anikwe Johnson Azubike

Department of Political Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study examines the persistent challenge of corruption in public office, with a focus on whether the anti-corruption campaign has failed or has been undermined by mismanagement. Drawing on empirical evidence from policy documents, institutional reports, and case studies, the research analyses the structural, political, and administrative factors that influence the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives. Findings reveal that while most jurisdictions have established comprehensive legal frameworks and dedicated agencies, the lack of institutional independence, selective enforcement, political interference, and weak accountability mechanisms has limited their effectiveness. The analysis shows that corruption endures not necessarily due to the absence of reform efforts, but because of inconsistent implementation, inadequate deterrence, and a tendency to politicise enforcement processes. The study concludes that the war against corruption has not been irrevocably lost; however, it requires a strategic reorientation toward transparent governance, non-selective prosecution, robust civic engagement, and a culture of integrity in public service. These findings have significant implications for policymakers, enforcement bodies, and civil society actors seeking to transition from symbolic anti-corruption campaigns to sustainable institutional reforms.

Keywords: Corruption in public office, Anti-corruption campaign, Anti-corruption initiatives, Public sector corruption, Governance reform, Legal frameworks and Anti-corruption agencies

CITE AS: Ogbuka Ikenna Matthew, Eneasato, Benjamin O. and Anikwe Johnson Azubike (2025). Corruption in Public Office: Has the War Been Lost or Mismanaged. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 5(3):19-27. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJCRHSS/2025/5.3.1927000