EFFECT OF CORRUPTION ON DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY IN KATCHA LOCALGOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Corruption is a pervasive and insidious phenomenon, undermining the fabrics of democracy, stifling its potentials to deliver tangible benefits to citizens. This study investigate the debilitating effects of Corruption on devidence of democracy, exploring how it distorts governance, undermines trust, and exacerbates inequality. Through a critical analysis of empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, the study reveal how corruption compromises the quality of public services, discourages foreign investment, and fuel social unrest.The specific objectives this study is to identify the nature and causes of corruption in Katcha local government area of the state and as well to examine the extent to which corruption has effects on democratic dividend.It also aims at informing strategies for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, ultimately strengthening the foundation of democratic societies. The study adopts Neo-patrimonialism theory which derived its origin in the works of Max Weber. Data for this study was generated from primary and secondary source using documentary research. The data collected were analyzed usingcontent analyses. The findings of this study indicated that there is no positive significant relationship between corruption and democratic dividends in Katcha local government area of Niger state. This study therefore, recommends that there is need for urgentrobust anti-corruptions and ensure that the dividends of democracy is equitably shared among all citizens. Illuminating the corrosive effects of corruption.Government should strengthen the criminal justice system, strengthen laws that should be enacted with harsher penalties like life imprisonment or the death sentence should be imposed on those found guilty of corruption to serve as deterrent for those offenders, who may want to entertain the idea of engaging in it. And there should be establishment of special anti-corruption court that will take charge of all criminal cases against corrupt politicians and administrators.