Lack of repercussions or punishment for misconduct or crimes is referred to as “impunity.” Impunity has remained a persistent issue in Nigeria’s governance, politics, justice, and security sectors. I’ll talk about the various forms of impunity in Nigeria and how they affect the country in this essay.
Corruption is one of the most egregious forms of impunity in Nigeria. Every sector of the country is impacted by corruption, including government, business, and civil society. Nigeria is one of the world’s most corrupt nations, ranking 154 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
Debasement has added to the maltreatment of force and the abuse of public assets. Public funds have been mismanaged, substandard goods and services have been purchased, and infrastructure development has been neglected as a result. Corruption has the greatest impact on society’s poor and vulnerable because they lack access to essential services like healthcare and education as a result of poor public resource management.
One more type of exemption in Nigeria is the absence of responsibility in the equity framework. The equity framework in Nigeria is tormented by debasement, terrorizing, and delays. The judiciary is understaffed and underfunded, and political interference, bribery, and harassment frequently target judges and other officials. This has made a culture of exemption in the equity framework, where influential people can sidestep liability regarding their activities.
The security area is another region where exemption has been an issue. Extrajudicial executions and violations of human rights have been alleged against Nigeria’s security forces, particularly in conflict zones.
Security powers have been blamed for utilizing unnecessary power and carrying out abominations, including the killing of regular citizens and the obliteration of property. A culture of impunity exists within the security industry because, despite the allegations of misconduct, few security personnel have been held accountable for their actions.
Another issue is the impunity in governance. In Nigeria, political leaders are frequently accused of not keeping their promises, using public funds for personal gain, and engaging in nepotism. Few political leaders have been held accountable for their actions despite public outrage and criticism. There is an absence of straightforwardness and responsibility in the political framework, and this has added to the view of exemption in administration.
Insecurity is another issue in Nigeria brought on by impunity. Some of Nigeria’s security-related issues include the North East insurgency, the farmers-herders conflict in the Middle Belt, communal conflicts in Southern Nigeria, and an increasing number of kidnappings in various parts of the country.
These issues have been ascribed to the absence of responsibility in the security area and the disappointment of the public authority to give sufficient security to its residents. Because the government has not taken decisive action to address these issues, a culture of impunity has developed, in which criminals and insurgents operate without much to no fear of repercussions.
Environment is another area where impunity is widespread in Nigeria. The country’s rich biodiversity and regular assets are under danger because of ecological corruption and criminal operations like logging, oil burglary, and unlawful mining. Individuals, businesses, and even government agencies engage in these activities with little to no repercussions. Among other negative effects on the environment, this has resulted in the destruction of ecosystems and the displacement of indigenous communities.
A high level of corruption has also developed in the field of environmental protection due to the absence of accountability. Environmental protection agencies are frequently accused of accepting bribes, granting permits to illegal activities, and not enforcing regulations. This has made a culture of exemption in the area, where organizations and people can work with next to zero feeling of dread toward outcomes.
Exemption has likewise been an issue in the business area. The absence of responsibility and the implementation of work regulations in Nigeria has prompted the double-dealing of laborers and the infringement of their freedoms. People’s lives and livelihoods are frequently at stake when employers fail to provide safe working conditions and decent wages. However, those liable for these infringement frequently get away from discipline, making a culture of exemption in the work environment.
All in all, exemption has been a steady issue in Nigeria, and adversely affects the nation’s turn of events. The issue is widespread, affecting all sectors, including governance, justice, security, and business, and it is not restricted to a single sector. It is the responsibility of the government to address this issue and ensure that those who commit misconduct and crimes are held accountable.
Without responsibility, Nigeria will keep on battling with defilement, denials of basic liberties, and underdevelopment. It is time for those in positions of authority to speak up and make certain that the various parts of Nigeria are taught about accountability and justice. Nigeria will be able to truly prosper and break the cycle of impunity only then.
