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ABSTRACT

This study evaluated public perception of the influence of social media in the fight

against corruption in Nigeria. The research design adopted for this study was

descriptive survey research design. The population of this study consisted of the

general public since social media is used by everyone one and not associated with

a particular set of people and also, corruption affects the general public in

Nigeria. Convenience sampling technique was used to select one hundred and

fifty (150) participants from the general public to partake in this study. The

participants consisted of only adults in the general public. The research

instrument adopted for this study was Questionnaire on Public Perception on the

Influence of social media in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria which was

validated by measurement and evaluation experts from National Open University

of Nigeria (NOUN). The reliability test was conducted using Cronbach Alpha test

in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data from the retrieved

questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics from the SPSS. The,

findings from the results showed that social media has an influence in the fight

against corruption in Nigeria. Also, findings, revealed that social media have only

helped reduced corruption in Nigeria to a minimum extent. And lastly, the findings

from the results also showed that monetary bribe, Political/Economic

gratifications, influence peddling and privileges are the major constituents of


corruption in Nigeria. In conclusion, the study suggested for more studies to be

done on this aspect of study with an increased population and sample size as it will

allow for more public opinions which may assist in creating new ideas.
CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Corruption is a broad term that covers a wide range of misuse of entrusted funds

and power for private gains. It is considered as an ethical problem, a behavioural

problem, a wrongdoing which can be solved by means of personal reform.

(Uzochukwu, Patricia & Ukueze 2014). Corruption according to Transparency

International (TI), the most cited source in corruption discourses, is the abuse of

entrusted power by political leaders or bureaucracy for personal gain or specific

group interest. In Nigeria, corruption is a hydra-headed monster which is seriously

afflicting and hindering her development in all ramifications (Uzochukwu, Patricia

& Ukueze 2014). Corruption crime is a dishonest attitude carried out by persons

and institutions with institutionalized authority to acquire illicit funds and

properties for private use. Corruption has destroyed the entire Nigerian society

(Uzochukwu, Ekwugha & Ukwueze 2014, p.7) and efforts aimed at reducing fraud

in this society have not yielded much result. Corruption thrives in Nigeria and

individuals severely affected by it are not willing to speak up or resist the practice

of corruption. Bribery denies human beings maximum security, good education,


health, roads and many other basic needs that human beings may require in their

day-to-day activities (Ahmad, 2018).

Corruption exists in all sectors of the society and damages a country’s

development by undermining faith in public institutions as well as discouraging

both foreign and domestic investments. Corruption manifests in so many ways in

Nigeria such as: slow movement of files in offices, police extortion tollgates and

slow traffics on the highways, port congestion, queues at passport offices and gas

stations, ghost workers syndrome, election irregularities, official contract fees

being inflated, public funds doled out to political allies and personal friends in the

guise of contracts, improper issuance of license to import goods, improper award

of contracts, outright embezzlement of public fund, kickbacks on public

procurements among others (Uzochukwu, Patricia & Ukueze 2014). On the

international scene, Nigeria has been featuring prominently amongst the most

corrupt nations of the world and has been blacklisted as a nation where integrity

and transparency are alien and where no transactions occur without greasing

palms.

The fight against corruption in Nigeria has been a difficult task for the government

and citizens of Nigeria. There are many suggestions, publications and methods

drafted to fight the hydra-headed monster, but none has achieved a giant stride

towards the fight against corruption. Ugochukwu (2020), is of the view that every
effort evolved at addressing the scourge has always been frustrated by the

evolution of even more effective and sophisticated methods of corruption. At the

virtual conference of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences

Commission (ICPC) on corruption, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the

fight against corruption is getting difficult daily and many will be discouraged in

standing up against fraud (Adetayo, 2020).

The emergence of new media known as social media in the 21st century became a

beacon of hope towards the fight against corruption. Communication is at the

centre of human development because issues and events that shape the society

revolve around communication. Social media are novel communication tool that

enhances message distribution to many people with the aid of the internet. To this

effect, Nwabueze (2009) cited in Nwabueze (2014, p.165) affirms that the new

media make more information available to an average internet user and also have

more capacity to contain details of a story than any other medium. Social media

has grown over the years, and features which aid social media users have

witnessed rapid modifications and improvements to ensure user-friendly platform.

Benefits derived from social media are many hence many regards it as a powerful

tool to help combat corruption in our society. Kaplan and Haenlin (2010) in

Nwabueze (2014, p.170) define the social media as media that use web-based

technologies to transform and broadcast media monologues into social media


dialogues. An issue discussed at personal level becomes a public matter when

analyzed on social media. Dominick (2013, P.24) defined social media as online

communication that use special techniques that involve participation, conversation,

sharing, collaboration and linkage. Two social media platforms namely Facebook

and WhatsApp are believed to be familiar and widely used in Nigeria. Facebook

social media platform allows users who are registered to create profiles, upload

videos and pictures about themselves and happenings in their immediate

environment, especially as regards corruption. On the other hand, WhatsApp social

media platform can share messages with groups and individuals on the platform.

These two social media platforms are installed from Google play store or apple

store on internet enabled phone or handheld devices. Therefore, in line with the

above statement, this study seeks to evaluate public perception of the influence of

social media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of Problem

The 2019 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International in 2019

ranked Nigeria 146 out of 180 countries analyzed. This rating is a sad development

to the socio-economic advancement of Nigeria as foreign investors, and highly

quoted companies would not want to invest and do business in Nigeria. Corruption

has destroyed the entire system of governance in Nigeria and this makes it difficult

to fight and reduce crime to the barest minimum. However, the problem is to
evaluate how the social media have helped in the fight against corruption in

Nigeria since social media is fundamental tool in the fight against corruption in

Nigeria. Countries around the globe have adopted the use of social media in

governance, which sees many agencies having their social media handle or names

for ease of administration and broader coverage. In this light, this study therefore

seeks to evaluate public perception of the influence of social media in the fight

against corruption in Nigeria.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate public perception of the influence of

social media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The specific objectives of this study include the following:

1. To find out public opinion on the influence of social media in the fight

against corruption in Nigeria.

2. To find out public opinion on the extent to which social media have helped

reduced corruption in Nigeria.

3. To find out public opinion of what constitutes corruption in Nigeria

1.4 Research Question

The following research questions guided this study.


1. What is the opinion of the public on the influence of social media in the

fight against corruption in Nigeria?

2. What is the opinion of the public on the extent to which social media have

helped reduced corruption in Nigeria?

3. What is the opinion of the public on what constitutes corruption in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will be of great benefit to the public, the Nigerian government and other

researchers. The public will benefit from this study since it will help create more

awareness on the use of social media as one of the formidable tools to fight

corruption and fight for their rights in the Nigerian society. Also, the Nigerian

government will also benefit from this study by adopting social media as one of its

tools to combat corruption in the nation. It is obvious that technology in Nigeria is

yet to reach some places and as such, it is hard for the government to have access

to information about corruption in some parts of the country, however with the

help of social media, the government might have access to information about some

corrupt practices in such areas. Finally, this study will be of great benefit to other

researchers since it will serve as a source of literature when they intend to carry out

research works on similar topics in future.

1.6 Scope/Delimitations of the Study


This study is focused on evaluating public perception of the influence of social

media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Corruption: this can be defined as a dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in

power, typically involving bribery for personal gains.

Social Media: this can be referred to as to the means of interactions among people

in which they create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual

communities and networks


CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter deals with the review of related literature on public perception of the

influence of social media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The review will

be discussed under the following headings:

2.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This study focused on the following concepts.

2.1.1 Concept of Social Media

According to Maya and Amy (2021), the term social media refers to a computer-

based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information

through virtual networks and communities. Social media is internet-based and

gives users quick electronic communication of content, such as personal

information, documents, videos, and photos. Users engage with social media via a

computer, tablet, or smartphone via web-based software or applications. Also,

Demirsoy and Karakoç (2016) cited Güngör that social media has started to

develop after entrance of internet in daily life. At first this process started as only

e-mail but later virtual environments like Facebook, Twitter, Gtalk, Myspace
located in our daily life. On the one hand, a new communication form has

developed in these new virtual environments; on the other hand, new social fields

have formed although they are virtual. That is social media is a communication

form in which there is no limitation like border or time. it is defined by

highlighting its social dimension and usage (Demirsoy and Karakoç 2016).

Social media also can be defined as a process including every kind of idea, point of

view and approach; unprejudiced because of independency from interest groups; at

the same time interactive and sharing because of its specific vehicles and methods

(Kahraman, 2010: 14). Social media environments, which are seen as daily

dialogues between persons or groups even in small groups, have realized a rapid

diffusion with shared content, information and its increasing membership numbers.

2.1.2 Components of Social Media

The most used components of social media are blogs, wikis and social networks.

Blogs: Conceptually, blog is defined as “web diaries”. It was started by a group of

computer programmers who broadcasted some internet pages with little notes on

their own internet pages in 1997. The most similar form of blogs like today came

into picture in 1999. Today it has turned into an industry. Blog as a word was

produced from the word of “weblog” and they have become most used vehicles of

social media in which everybody can explain his or her ideas and create some
content according to their expertness for their followers (Demirsoy and Karakoç

2016).

Wiki: Wiki is the software designed by GNU that allows users to create new

pages, connect these pages with each other and arrange these pages functionally.

Actually, this software was designed as suitable with a license which create course

materials like books or other sources. For example, Wikipedia is the well-known

wiki pages on internet (http://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viki).

Social Networks: Although there are so many social networking sites, today the

most used of them are Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google Plus (Demirsoy and

Karakoç 2016). There is a general definition of social networking sites. According

to this definition; social networking sites are web data-based services and they

provide their members to create a profile, to list others’ profiles in their profile, to

look others’ connection lists in system and to follow other members on internet

(http://jcmc.indiana.edu/ vol13/issue1/boyd.ellison.html). At the same time social

networking site means that it is people who are connected to each other with more

than one social relation and that is why they are connected to each other socially.

As for the lists of these relations, they are friendship, kinship, communication and

power. In fact, social networking sites create virtual groups to act together in terms

of sharing ideas, finding solutions and similar activities. Online environment, in

which mutual people come together for sharing their ideas, feelings, comments, is
named as social network or social networking sites (Demirsoy and Karakoç 2016).

People can form social groups and share every kind of written and visual materials

on these social networks and all implementations on these sites are free of charge.

Facebook: Facebook which provides people to communicate with others and share

information with each other is a social networking site. Beside this, it supplies

introducing themselves on a single page to its users and it also provides personal

information about its users (Demirsoy and Karakoç 2016). Contrary to web sites

which provides their users to chat and send messages; Facebook and Twitter

function as an online social platform which provide members to organize social

activity, to share ideas, to form groups according to faiths and religions.

Twitter: Twitter is an online social networking and micro-blogging service that

enables users to send and read short 140-character text messages, called “tweets”.

Registered users can read and post tweets, but unregistered users can only read

them. Users access Twitter through the website interface, SMS, or mobile device

applications. Twitter supplies a basic following mechanism to internet which has

been turning into turmoil and members can follow subjects according to their

domains and last discussions. Twitter has become one of the most popular and fast

social networking sites; it has realized an impulsive power role in social media so

far. Twitter transfers the events realized in daily life into virtual environments. By

doing this, Twitter carries real agendas of societies into social media.
2.1.3 The Advent of Social Media in Nigeria

In 2001, the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of Olusegun

Obasanjo licensed the operations of telecommunication industry in Nigeria which

was a springboard for social media in Nigeria. The gap in communication from a

person to another irrespective of the location was closed. Information and

Communication Technologies (ICTs), which drive the social media in Nigeria,

witnessed a big boom as many institutions, government agencies, banks among

others relied on ICT for their day-to-day activities. Agreeing to this (Nwabueze,

2014, p.3) said the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

such as computers, digital broadcasting, satellite and cable television, the Internet

and World Wide Web (www) has contributed immensely in ensuring the

sophistication of the communication process and also bridging the gap between the

sender and the receiver. The internet has grown in Nigeria and it has helped to

strengthen the various social media platforms in Nigeria like Facebook, Instagram,

Twitter, WhatsApp, among others. Events and happenings around the globe can be

accessed by handheld devices, computers, and sophisticated phones reinforcing the

earlier prediction of Marshal McLuhan’s concept of a global village.

Social media have become popular among Nigerians (Adults, Youths and

Teenagers) and registration for membership is free with phones, computers and

handheld devices that can access the internet. A Nigerian has at least an account in
any of these social networking sites (Alade, 2017). With the level of social media

users; information sharing especially as it concerns Nigerians is expected to be

high.

Social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram among

others have seen Nigeria as a fertile ground to boom and expand their business and

Nigeria is a country rich in human and material resources with a huge population.

In 2019, there were 98.39 million active users compared to 2018 when the figure

was 94 million active users of the internet (Udodiong, 2019). Going with the

figure, internet usage and penetration is high; hence social media use in Nigeria is

increasing. Nigeria already has one of the continent’s highest Smartphone

penetration rates and that number will get even higher as Smartphone subscription

is expected to be on the increase Kazeem, (2016).

However, there have been growing concerns about the negative impact of social

media in our society due to its unique features that is different from traditional

media like newspaper, radio and television. Biswas, Ingle & Roy (2014) listed the

negative impact of social media to include: it cannot be entirely controlled, social

media is prone to hacking, responses from social media sites can lead to a

backlash, negative sentiments can influence electioneering, and there are

misrepresentations of facts in social media. Hyacinth & Barigbon (as cited in

Ugochukwu, 2020) believes that misinformation or rumours can quickly spread on


social media and may allow criminals to keep track of police activity. Chinedu

Okeke & Obi (2016) gave the negative aspect of social media as: disseminating

unfiltered/unverified information, hate messages and rumours, increased piracy,

immoral conduct and lurid sex photo, the anonymity of sources, images and sounds

digitally manipulated, addictive nature of social media and bullying and digital

offensive dialogues. The Social media industry is an industry with weak

regulations, and these make users flood the social media with contents not minding

the implication it could cause. Youths are exposed to social vices, and many

addicted to it and abandon other important aspects of their lives (Olowe, 2018). In

July, 2012 a post-graduate student of Nasarawa State University was murdered by

friends she met on Facebook which sparked condemnations across Nigeria.

Cynthia died after she and her once virtual friends needed to see flesh and blood,

following some periods of chatting on Facebook and her death was not only

condemned by the generality of Nigerian populace but had government

contemplating slamming legislation that would check the excesses of internet users

(Ugochukwu, 2020). Most users of the social media indulge in harmful vices, and

this is not good for Nigeria because there are numerous benefits to be derived from

the Internet and social media.

2.1.4 Media and Corruption in Nigeria


The mass media today have become the most powerful channel for sharing

information and ideas at the level of society. In other words, the largeness and

complexity of today’s societies has made the mass media an inevitable platform for

making communication possible and sustainable at societal level (Agba as cited in

Uzochukwu, Patricia & Ukueze 2014). Thus, through the mass media, the society

sees, assesses and understands herself. The media dependency theory of mass

communication recognizes this fact when it affirms that in our modern society, we

are increasingly dependent on the media to understand the social world and to act

meaningfully and effectively in it, and the higher this dependence the more

influence the media have on us (Baran, 2010, p.370). Therefore, it may be logical

to argue that what the society knows about herself at any point in time is likely to

come from the mass media. Such information and knowledge would of course

include those relating to corruption.

In Nigeria just like in other society, the mass media transmit ideas and new

information to a target audience. This implies that they are responsible for most of

the adjustments in the behavioral pattern of people in the society. The influence of

the mass media extends to almost every segment of the society that is exposed to

their programmes. In other words, the press serves as an agent of change, and as

the watchdog of the society is expected to play a part in ensuring transparency and

accountability in government as well as contribute to the efforts of crime fighting


institutions to curb corruption in the country (Adeyemi 2013). However, a corrupt

press cannot fight corrupt individuals.

Corruption in the media circle in Nigeria is prevalent because of the brown

envelope syndrome in media practice. Generally, the brown envelope is a monetary

bribe handed out to a person to put pressure on him or her to do what the bribe

giver wants (Okoye as cited in Adeyemi, 2013)). It is any form of gratification

which a journalist may receive to cover an event or influence the judgment of a

journalist. The event may be a press conference, an interview of any sort, a

workshop, an impromptu or organized briefing. Basically, the coinage “brown

envelope” evokes the idea of criminality in the mind of right-thinking persons.

This nomenclature is so regarded because it is derived from the underworld

business of wrapping of wares in business envelopes. It is believed in many

quarters that media practitioners are guilty of allegations of bribery and corruption

and that acceptance of monetary gratification affects in no small measure objective

coverage of news events. Journalists are usually accused of biased reporting and

prejudice by members of the public because of their ignoring one of the most

important attributes of good journalism that is, objectivity. Corruption in the media

is multi-facetted. It may come through various ways some of which were

mentioned above, or it may be through what is called “Media Executives Dinner”,

through generous offer of expensive gift items or through various forms of either
political/economic gratifications. At times, in a bid to get exclusive stories or

scoop, journalists may be tempted to give bribe most especially if such stories are

regarded as sought-after information.

There is also the need to focus the anti-corruption searchlight on every sector of

Nigerian society most especially now that it has been established that corruption is

a serious problem in the nation. The media are at the vanguard of the struggle and

for the struggle to be meaningful, impactful and effective the state of health of

journalists as well as the media organizations they work for as regard their standing

on anti-corruption crusade should be determined. How much Nigeria would

succeed in the current battle depends largely on how effective the media would be.

The media profession is expected to be above board so that journalists could

confidently champion the anti-corruption campaign. Though some media outfits

realized this demand and some efforts have been channeled towards this in recent

times, it is pertinent to know how the corruption issue is being handled in most

media organizations in Nigeria.

2.1.5 Social Media and Its Impact in The Fight Against Corruption

The critical role social media play in Nigeria has led to awareness, engagement and

reaching out to the global community on issues that have destroyed Nigeria and

project us to the world in a bad light. From HASHTAG like #EndSARS and
various campaigns against corruption and other ills going on in Nigeria, it has

brought the attention of government and the world. In the words of (Asika, 2016),

social media allows this vast melting pot of Nigerians to express themselves in

many ways from memes, to blogs, videos to social media posts from public

commentators to private citizens, everybody has a voice, but however, of course

many still need help to shape that voice and to learn how best to bring it to their

audience.

Social media platforms in Nigeria like Facebook and WhatsApp have witnessed

institutions, groups and associations owing a webpage on these platforms and

members of the various platforms utilize these platforms to share stories, report

events and most importunately expose the corruption that has damaged the

Nigerian society. In 2017, a group of Nigerians took to their social media

platforms. It started a campaign of #ENDSARS to tell Nigerians and the world that

a department of Nigeria Police charged with the protection of lives and properties

are indulging in extrajudicial killings and harassing the citizens they ought to

protect. The protest carried out online and in some states in Nigeria drew the

attention of the Federal Government and Nigeria. The then Acting President, Prof.

Yemi Osibanjo called for an immediate overhaul of SARS and Nigerians rejoiced

because their voices have been heard and something was going be done (Bwala,
2019). This indicates that social media effects change in Nigerian society by

beaming its searchlight on institution and government authorities.

Communication and media scholars have referred to social media as the fifth estate

of the realm because it reaches millions of users globally with the help of Internet.

In the words of (Nwabueze 2014, p.176), “the fifth estate of the realm is a concept

used to recognize the emerging socio-political significance of the social media in

the modern world as powerful tools of communication, sensitization, awareness

creation, contributing immensely in shaping the nature of governance in any

society”. In Nigeria, the level of poverty, unemployment and lack of social

amenities are caused by years of corruption leaving the people with no option than

to survive amid, nothing thereby resulting to social unrest and social activism.

Social activism is the use of various social media platforms to organize protests,

rallies to enforce change in the society. With the new trend of organizing protest

online with Hashtags (#) symbols as the registration logo, people in their hundreds

sometimes thousands identify with social activism. In line with this, (Nwabueze

2014, p.178) views social media activism as the use of social media to mobilize

people for a social course. In 2012, Nigeria witnessed a massive social protest

organized by labour unions and civil societies that brought the country to a halt.

The rally saw the emergence of ‘#OccupyNigeria’ were drawn from social media

platforms like Facebook, twitter, blogs and the protest were characterized by
strikes and rallies (Hari, 2014). The protesters were angry that the Federal

Government led by Dr Goodluck Jonathan announced the increase in the pump

price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from #65 to #141 based on the removal of

fuel subsidy. Social media platforms played a significant role in organizing and

expanding awareness among the general public and perhaps stimulating and

facilitating discussions on issues beyond fuel subsidy removal to include broader

issues of corruption and accountability in the governance of the country (Hari,

2014). The Government of President Dr Goodluck Jonathan was forced to drop

removing fuel subsidy as protests were increasing hence the need to maintain law

and order.

The fact that our education sector in Nigeria is bedridden with corruption leaves no

one in doubt because our government failed to address issues facing the industry.

However, social media has done a lot in exposing the rot in our universities by

posts, pictures and videos where users upload and share. The issue of sex for mark

in many universities in Nigeria projects our citadel of learning as shameful and

unfortunate. In 2018, a recorded audio conversation between a senior lecturer in

the Department of Accounting at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife,

Professor Richard Akindele negotiating sex for marks with one Monica Osetoba

Osagie an MSc student in Business Administration went viral on the traditional

and social media (Ugochukwu, 2020). When social media platforms helped to
circulate the case of Monica, it forced the authorities of OAU to set up a panel to

look into the allegation, and institutions like Independent Corrupt Practices and

other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and some NGOs came to Monica’s

rescue. Justice Onyetenu sentenced Prof. Akindele to 24 months imprisonment for

asking Monica sexual gratification to pass her (Hanafi, 2020). One cannot dispute

the fact that social media is a powerful tool if properly used.

2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The theoretical framework for this study was reviewed based on the following

theories.

2.2.1 Agenda Settings Theory

The first systematic study about Agenda Setting Theory was conducted by

Maxwell Mac Combs and Donald Shaw in 1968 and this theory describes the

power of the news media to influence the salience of topics on the public agenda.

This theory of communication views the media (social media inclusive) as having

the capacity to set agenda for the media audience on what to think by continually

repeating news and events thereby placing importance on such stories. When users

of social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, among others share stories,

pictures and videos about corruption on a day-to-day format, importance are placed

on such stories. The position of social media users about crime is as a result of
what the platform has mirrored to them. Daily upload of stories and videos about

corruption sets agenda for the public because social media stories that are topical

go viral. The mass media move issues from press agenda to public programme.

(Nwabueze, 2014 p.44). According to Sorin (2010), Agenda setting theory

proposes the premise that exposure is not enough; media content needs to be made

salient (significant) to the user before being processed and accepted. Agenda

setting changed the attention from what to “how” media effects work at

institutional and macro-social level. Although, individual autonomy is important,

like uses and gratifications theory suggests, we often pick and choose what issues

to explore and evaluate from the pool of “important” issues determined by the

media. Of these, the more salient are more likely to be processed and accepted as

important. Specifically, people find most important those issues covered by the

media most often. The more media coverage a topic receives, the more salient it

becomes, and the more audience attention is funneled toward it (Sorin, 2010).

According to Afolayan (2012), the ability of the media to pre-determine what

issues are important gives the media an edge to fight corruption since they can

easily lay emphasis on the atrocities being committed by public figures in the

country. According to Folarin (as cited in Afolayan, 2012), ‘Agenda Setting

Theory does not ascribe to the media the power to determine what we actually

think, but it does ascribe to them the power to determine what we are thinking
about’. The theory is relevant to this paper because the media can utilize the

elements of this theory through increasing the frequency of reportage of corrupt

activities in the country; giving prominence to corrupt activities through headline

display, picture and layout in newspaper, magazines, film, graphics, or timing on

radio and television. The power of the media to expose corrupt acts through the

elements of this theory will go a long way in reducing corrupt acts in the country.

If public figures know that their corrupt acts will be giving a lot of publicity, they

are likely to have a rethink before stealing public funds (Afolayan, 2012).

In addition, Demirsoy and Karakoç (2016) explained that people using social

media implementations effectively can be social media reporters by transferring

not only news about their personal life but also news about social life and public

opinion into social media platforms. Social media has gained a big popularity

against traditional media in the last years and it can determine to its own agenda

and form the agenda of other social groups by providing personal areas to its

members. An event or idea can be turned into an important subject of social agenda

by rapid distribution of social media. When information or knowledge is shared on

Facebook; a tweet can be liked quickly, it is retweeted or it is added to favorites

and all of these implementations can be distributed in a short time among the users.

Especially social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter etc. has started to take an

important place in daily life of people anymore. After the rapid spread of smart
phones in people’s daily life Twitter can form it original agenda with its “top trend

lists” because Twitter has a rapid message distribution among its members. Users

can speak or comment about a top trend subject with following it. If this subject is

very attractive, it can be distributed quickly although it has not news value. If this

subject has news value, people can read this subject in national press or even in

international media. Contrary to this, news published by national press can be

distributed in Twitter and this subject can form or set daily agenda of virtual

environment (Demirsoy & Karakoç 2016).

2.2.2 Technological Determinism Theory

Marshal McLuhan propounded Technological Determinism theory in 1964. The

position of the argument was that technology has altered the way the media

audience reacts to messages or communication from an electronic medium. This

theory explains the role of technology in shaping cultural orientation, values and

events in the larger society. The proponents of technological determinism argue

that society is influenced and shaped by technological development (Hauer, 2017).

Social media is driven by the internet across the countries of the world, and it is a

valuable tool that will revolutionize the globe. Similarly, McQuail (as cited in

Ugochukwu, 2020) states the basic principles of technological determinism theory:

(i) communication theory is fundamental to society (ii) each technology has a bias

to particular communication forms (iii) the sequence of invention and application


of communication technology influences social change (iv) communication

revolutions lead to social revolutions.

The technological determinism theory states that media technologies shape how

individuals in a society think, feel, act and how a society operates as we move from

one technological age to another (Griffin 2000), corroborating McLuhan’s theory,

that we learn, feel and think the way we do because of the message we receive

through the current technology that is available. (McLuhan 1962). The theory

basically explains the fact that changes in communication technology produce

profound change in our societal order. Here, communication technology is seen to

have the power to transform the sensory capacity and therefore transform the way

we live our life. Technological determinism is a reductionist theory that aims to

provide a causative link between technology and a society’s nature. It tries to

explain as to whom or what could have a controlling power in human affairs. The

theory questions the degree to which human thought or action is influenced by

technological factors. New media are not only an addition to existing media, they

are also new technologies and therefore do have a deterministic factor as well.

Marshall McLuhan made a famous statement that “the medium is the message.”

This means that the medium used to communicate influences the mind of the

receiver. The introduction of news print, television and the internet have all shown

how technological advances have an impact on the society in which we live in.
2.3 REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL LITERATURE

The review of empirical literature for this study will consist of the following

studies. The study of Demirsoy and Karakoç (2016) on contribution of social

media to agenda setting approach was a salient source of empirical literature for

this study. In this research work, the study was aimed to reveal that the Agenda

Setting Approach which still maintains its importance today and forms the

theoretical infrastructure of various studies is rather effective on setting agenda

through Social Media. Literature review method was used in the study and the

studies in the literature which were executed in the field related to the

determination of agenda by social media were employed. Demirsoy and Karakoc

(2016) concluded that when appearing dates of internet and social media in

people’s life and their developments are taken in hand, it is seen that their user

numbers have been increasing regularly in a short time. This rapid increase in user

numbers proves the power of these concepts for affecting society and shaping

agenda of societies. Beside this, people can contact with everybody in every place

by using internet and social media and this situation has increased effectiveness of

social media on setting the agenda of societies.

Also, Ugochukwu (2020) carried out a study on evaluation of social media

influence in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. This study was structured to

examine how social media have helped in the fight against corruption. The internet
has helped the growth of social media in Nigeria because with Smartphone’s and

handheld devices, one can easily connect to the social media platform. Technology

determinism theory and Agenda-setting theory of communication were used for the

study. Library research method was adopted for the study and relevant information

about corruption and social media from journals, newspapers and books were

analyzed. This study concludes among others that social media are effective in the

fight against corruption. It exposes corrupt practices and persons and ensures that

persons indicted are prosecuted. The study recommends, among others that

government should effectively use social media handles and encourage whistle

blowing to help fight corruption in Nigeria.

Furthermore, Uzochukwu, Patricia and Ukueze (2014) carried out their study on

harnessing social media tools in the fight against corruption in Nigeria: challenges

and prospects. The study argues that social media have potentials for fighting

corruption however certain factors militates against its use in Nigeria. Situated

within the framework of democratic-participant theory, the paper acknowledges

that the conventional mass media, due to their inherent ties with the political as

well as the economic forces in the society, are somewhat incapacitated from rising

in challenge of corruption in the society. Consequently, the study presents the

social media is as a viable alternative, arguing that social media tools have what it

takes through serving as a platform for the citizenry to point out loopholes that
may make the system vulnerable to corruption; scrutinize the activities of their

leaders and report cases of corruption, all these without fear of victimization.

Nevertheless, given their anonymous nature, social media may have some

credibility burden that could hinder its effective use in the anti-corruption fight and

could as well pose the risk of malicious slander of character of innocent people.

Also, Sowunmi et al. (2010) examined the role of media in curbing corruption in

Nigeria as well as the problems encountered in the process of performing this role.

The findings from Sowunmi et al. (2010) revealed that corruption has been and

continues to be a destructive element in the governance of Nigeria and perception

of the country in the comity of nations. The findings also revealed that poverty,

threat to life, undue interference by government, harassment, injury and lack of

laws to protect journalist are the major obstacles to media in their fight against

corruption. Passage of freedom of information bill, training in investigative

journalism and good remuneration are recommended for media to be effective in

the fight against corruption.

In addition, Adeyemi, (2013) examined the state of the country’s media from the

perspective of media practitioners. The survey method was employed for the study.

Regardless of the efforts being made by various stakeholders in the media industry,

it was discovered that the media was largely corrupt. Even though over 64 % of

those sampled believed that acceptance of any form of gratifications was unethical,
over 75 % of the journalists engage in corrupt practices with impunity. More than

half of the 18 media outfits covered by the study are indifferent to certain

identified corrupt practices in their organizations. To curb corruption, journalism

organizations should engage in sensitization programmes while conditions of

service for journalists need to be considerably improved.

Finally, Halilu, Garba & Abdulmunin (2014) examined the coverage of corruption

issues by the Nigerian Newspapers. It sampled two Nigerian Dailies (Daily Sun

and New Nigerian Newspapers) for the period of one year June 2013 and May

2014 when corruption was believed to be at its highest peak in Nigeria. At the end

of the study, it was discovered that the newspapers did not indeed fulfill their

statutory responsibility of watch dogging the society. The coverage was not

significant compared to other stories like politics and economy; prominence was

also not given to the stories. It was also deduced that the stories are not in-depth as

there was little investigation and follow- up enough to set precedence for public

discourse. The study therefore suggests that the media embarks on massive

sensitization campaigns as well as intensive investigative reporting in order to, not

only expose corruption but to follow up the case to its logical prosecution.

2.4 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW


Several studies have been reviewed conceptually, theoretically and empirically on

public perception of the influence of social media in the fight against corruption in

Nigeria. These reviews provided the researcher with more insights and knowledge

about the topic. Some ideas were necessary to assist in designing the instruments

of the study. The methodologies used by existing studies also provided a

framework for this present study.

From the reviewed literatures, several gaps were identified. First, some of the

studies conducted as cited herein were carried out in foreign countries. The results

of these foreign studies might not be applicable to Nigeria and Lagos State though

they were still useful. Secondly, only a handful of Nigerian studies were observed

to have been conducted in relation to this present study, but there seem to be no

study in Lagos State that have examined public perception of the influence of

social media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

All these gaps identified above, makes this study different from all other existing

studies. Given the need for improved the fight against corruption which cannot be

overemphasized, it is therefore, imperative that a study be conducted locally that

will examine public perception of the influence of social media in the fight against

corruption in Nigeria.
CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The methodology includes research design, population of the study, sample and

sampling technique, data collection instrument, validity of the instruments,

reliability of the instruments, and statistical method of data analysis.

3.1 Research Design

The research design adopted for this study was descriptive survey research design

to evaluate public perception of the influence of social media in the fight against

corruption in Nigeria.

3.2 Population of the Study

The population of this study consisted of the general public since social media is

used by everyone one and not associated with a particular set of people and also,

corruption affects the general public in Nigeria.

3.3 Sample and Sampling Technique


Convenience sampling technique was used to select one hundred and fifty (150)

participants from the general public to partake in this study. The participants

consisted of only adults in the general public.

3.4 Research Instrument

The research instrument adopted for this study was Questionnaire on Public

Perception of the Influence of Social Media in the Fight Against Corruption in

Nigeria. The questionnaire was organized in two different sections, section A

which comprised of the respondent’s bio data and section B which comprised of

questions meant to provide answers to the research questions. Section be consisted

of a five-point Likert scale question of SA-Strongly Agree, A-Agree, D-Disagree

and SD-Strongly Disagree.

3.5 Validity of Research Instrument

Validation of the research instrument was carried out to ensure that the instrument

was designed to measure exactly what it was supposed to measure. Face and

content validity was adopted for this study since it measured the degree to which

the sample of the items represented the content that the test was designed to

measure. Also, the research instrument was validated by measurement and

evaluation experts from National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

3.6 Reliability of Research Instrument


A pilot study was carried out on ten people from the general public of which the

results of their responses obtained was not used for the study. However, their

responses were used to fine-tune the research instrument which was administered

to respondents that participated in the study.

Reliability analysis was used to measure both consistency and internal stability of

data. Meanwhile, the reliability test was conducted using Cronbach Alpha test of

SPSS measuring the inter-item consistency and the coefficient that reflects how

well items in a set are positively correlated to one another. Cronbach’s Alpha that

are less than 0.6 are generally considered to be poor, those in the 0.7 range to be

acceptable, and those over 0.8 to be good; the closer the reliability coefficient gets

to 1.0, the better.

3.7 Method of Data Analysis

The data from the retrieved questionnaire will be analyzed using descriptive

statistics from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).


CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

This chapter deals with the presentation of the results of analysis of respondents’

responses to the questionnaire developed by the researcher for this study. This

chapter also entails the discussion of the findings from the results of the data

analyzed.

4.1 ANALYSIS OF RESPONDENTS DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

Table 1: Distribution of Respondents Demographic Data

Age(years) Frequency Percent


Less than 20 years 17 11.3
21-30 years 49 32.7
31- 40 years 51 34.0
41 & above 33 22.0
Total 150 100.0
Marital Status Frequency Percent
Single 50 33.3
Married 30 20.0
Divorced 20 13.3
Cohabiting 40 26.7
Widowed 10 6.7
Total 150 100.0
Educational Qualification Frequency Percent
Primary Education 18 12.0
Secondary Education 32 21.3
Tertiary Education 40 26.7
Vocational Education 20 13.3
No Formal Education 40 26.7
Total 150 100.0
Religion Frequency Percent
Christian 72 48.0
Muslim 58 38.7
Traditionalist 14 9.3
Others 6 4.0
Total 150 100.0
Occupation Frequency Percent
Student 40 26.7
Businessman/ woman 60 40.0
Civil Servant 35 23.3
Others 15 10.0
Total 150 100.0
SOURCE= FIELD SURVEY 2022

Table 1 showed the results for the distribution of respondents’ demographic data

which included the age, marital status, educational qualifications, religion and

occupation. The results showed that (11.3%) of the respondents were less than

20years, (32.7%) of respondents were between the age of 21-30years, (34%) of

respondents were between the age of 31-40years and (22%) were 41years and

above. The result for respondents’ responses to marital status showed that (33.3%)

of the respondents are single while (20%) are married, (13.3%) are divorced,

(26.7%) are cohabiting and the remaining (6.7%) are widowed. Furthermore,

results for respondents’ responses to educational qualification showed that (12%)

have primary education, (21.3%) have secondary education, (26.7%) have tertiary

education, (13.3%) have vocational education while the remaining (26.7%) have

no formal education. Also, the distribution of respondents’ responses on religion

showed that (48%) are Christians, (38.7%) are Muslims, (9.3%) are traditionalists

while the remaining (4%) belong to other religion. Finally, the results of

respondents to occupational status showed that (26.7%) of the respondents are

students, (40%) are businessmen/women, (23.3%) are civil servants while the

remaining (10%) belonged to others.

4.2 ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS


Research Question One: what is the opinion of the public on the influence of

social media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria?

Table 2.1: Public Opinion on the Influence of Social Media in the Fight

Against Corruption In Nigeria

Statements Respondents Percentages


What is your opinion about the influence of
social media in fighting corruption in Nigeria?
No Influence 20 13.3
Positive Influence 70 46.7
Satisfactory Influence 30 20.0
Can’t Say 30 20.0
Total 150 100.0
What is your opinion about campaign of
corruption in the social media?
Very Effective 15 10.0
Effective 20 13.3
Not Effective 75 50.0
Challenging 40 26.7
Total 150 100.0
What is your opinion about transparency of
social media in fighting corruption?
Very Transparent 47 31.3
Vindictive 33 22.0
Blackmailing 20 13.3
Can’t Say 50 33.3
Total 150 100.0
What is your opinion about the accountability
of social media in fighting corruption?
Very Accountable 43 28.7
Accountable 55 36.7
Discriminating 37 24.7
Not Accountable 15 10.0
Total 150 100.0
What is your opinion about the engagement of
social media in the fight against corruption?
Very Effective 56 37.3
Effective 24 16.0
Not Effective 20 13.3
Challenging 50 33.3
Total 150 100.0
SOURCE= FIELD SURVEY 2022

Table 2.1 showed the results for respondents view to the statements on public

opinion on the influence of social media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The results showed that (13.3%) of the respondents were of the opinion that social

media has no influence in fighting corruption in Nigeria, (46.7%) responded that

social media has a positive influence in fighting corruption in Nigeria, (20%)

opined that the influence of social media in fighting corruption is satisfactory while

the remaining respondents (20%) can’t say. Also, the results for the public opinion

about the campaign of corruption in social media revealed that (10%) of the

respondents opined that the campaign is very effective, (13.3%) opined that the
campaign is effective, (50%) opined that the campaign is not effective while the

remaining (26.7%) were of the opinion that the campaign is challenging. In

addition, respondents’ opinion about the transparency of social media in fighting

corruption showed that (31.3%) opined that social media is very transparent in

fighting corruption, (22%) opined that social media is vindictive in fighting

corruption, (13.3%) opined that social media is blackmailing in fighting corruption

while the remaining (33.3%) can’t say. Furthermore, respondents’ opinion about

the accountability of social media in fighting corruption revealed that (28.7%)

were of the opinion that social media is very accountable in fighting corruption,

(36.7%) opined that social media is accountable in fighting corruption, (24.7%)

opined that social media is discriminating in fighting corruption while the

remaining (10%) opined that social media is not accountable in fighting corruption.

Finally, respondents opinion about the engagement of social media in the fight

against corruption showed that (37.3%) were of the opinion that the engagement of

social media in the fight against corruption has been very effective, (16%) opined

that social media engagement in fighting corruption is effective, (13.3%) opined

that social media engagement in fighting corruption is not effective while the

remaining (33.3%) opined that social media engagement in the fight against

corruption has been challenging.


Research Question Two: what is the opinion of the public on the extent to which

social media have helped reduced corruption in Nigeria?

Table 2.2: Extent to Which Social Media Have Helped Reduced Corruption in

Nigeria

Statements Respondents Percentages


Due to name call out of corrupt people on social
media platforms, it has helped reduce
corruption in Nigeria.
Strongly Agree 10 6.7
Agree 52 34.7
Disagree 73 48.7
Strongly Disagree 15 10.0
Total 150 100.0
To what extent have social media helped reduce
corruption in Nigeria?
Large Extent 12 8.0
Minimum Extent 50 33.3
Satisfactory Extent 14 9.3
Can't Say 74 49.3
Total 150 100.0
Social media reports about corrupt activities in
Nigeria by the public on social media platforms
have helped reduced corruption in Nigeria.
Strongly Agree 22 14.7
Agree 36 24.0
Disagree 35 23.3
Strongly Disagree 57 38.0
Total 150 100.0
To what extent have social media activism
helped reduce corruption in Nigeria?
Large Extent 12 8.0
Minimum Extent 70 46.7
Satisfactory Extent 14 9.3
Can't Say 54 36.0
Total 150 100.0
Due to the democratization impact of social
media on the public, corruption in Nigeria has
been reduced.
Strongly Agree 22 14.7
Agree 36 24.0
Disagree 35 23.3
Strongly Disagree 57 38.0
Total 150 100.0
SOURCE= FIELD SURVEY 2022

Table 2.2 showed the results for respondents view to the statements on the extent

to which social media have helped reduced corruption in Nigeria. The results

showed that (41.4%) of the public Agreed that due to name call out of corrupt

people on social media platforms, it has helped reduce corruption in Nigeria,

although majority of the respondents (58.7%) Disagreed. Also, the results on

public opinion about the extent to which social media have helped reduced
corruption in Nigeria revealed that (8%) of the respondents were of the opinion

that social media have helped reduced corruption in Nigeria to a large extent,

(33.3%) opined that it is to a minimum extent, (9.3%) opined that the extent is

satisfactory while the remaining (49.3%) can’t say. In addition, respondents view

on social media reports about corrupt activities in Nigeria by the public on social

media platforms showed that (38.7%) Agreed that social media reports have helped

reduce corruption in Nigeria, while majority (61.3%) Disagreed. Furthermore, the

results on public opinion about the extent to which social media activism helped

reduce corruption in Nigeria revealed that (8%) of the respondents were of the

opinion that social media activism have helped reduce corruption in Nigeria to a

large extent, (46.7%) opined that it is to a minimum extent, (9.3%) opined that the

extent is satisfactory while the remaining (36%) can’t say. Finally, respondents

view on the democratization impact of social media on the public showed that

(38.7%) Agreed that it has helped reduce corruption in Nigeria, while the majority

(61.3%) Disagreed.

Research Question Three: what is the opinion of the public on what constitutes

corruption in Nigeria?

Table 2.3: Public Opinion on What Constitutes Corruption in Nigeria

S/ SA A D SD Total
Statement
N
1 2 4 5
1 Monetary bribe is the major F 48 36 35 31 150
constituent of corruption in Nigeria.
% 32 24 23.3 20.7 100

2 Prejudice is a major constituent of F 21 36 35 58 150


corruption in Nigeria.
% 14 24 23.3 38.7 100

3 Political/Economic gratifications is F 47 45 27 31 150


one of the major constituents of
corruption in Nigeria.
% 31.3 30 18 20.7 100

4 Influence peddling is another major F 47 56 27 20 150


constituent of corruption in Nigeria.
% 31.3 37.3 18 13.3 100

5 Abuse of responsibilities is one of the F 22 36 38 54 150


major constituents of corruption in
Nigeria.
% 14.7 24 25.3 36 100

6 Privileges is considered a major F 54 56 20 20 150


constituent of corruption in Nigeria.
% 36 37.3 13.3 13.3 100
SOURCE= FIELD SURVEY 2022

SA- Strongly Agreed

A- Agreed

D- Disagreed

SD- Strongly Disagreed


Table 2.3 showed the results for respondents view to the statements on public

opinion on what constitutes corruption in Nigeria. The results showed that majority

(56%) of the public Agreed that monetary bribe is the major constituent of

corruption in Nigeria while the remaining (44%) Disagreed. Also, respondents’

responses to the statement prejudice are a major constituent of corruption in

Nigeria showed that (38%%) of the public Agreed while the majority (62%)

Disagreed. In addition, respondents’ opinion on the statement Political/Economic

gratifications is one of the major constituents of corruption in Nigeria showed that

majority (61.3%) Agreed while the remaining (38.7%) Disagreed. Furthermore,

majority (68.6%) of the public Agreed that influence peddling is another major

constituent of corruption in Nigeria while the remaining (31.3%) Disagreed. Also,

(38.7%) of the public Agreed that abuse of responsibilities is one of the major

constituents of corruption in Nigeria while majority (61.3%) Disagreed. Finally,

respondents’ responses to the statement privileges are considered a major

constituent of corruption in Nigeria showed that (73.3%) Agreed while the

remaining (26.6%) Disagreed.

4.3 Discussion of Findings

The study was focused on evaluating public perception on the influence of social

media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Public perception and influence of

social media were used as the independent variable while the fight against
corruption was used as the dependent variable. Three research questions were

formulated to guide this study and the results of the analysis are discussed in

subsequent paragraphs.

The results in Table 2.1 showed the results for public opinion on the influence of

social media in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. From Table 2.1, majority

(46.7%) of the public opined that social media has a positive influence in fighting

corruption in Nigeria. Also, majority (50%) of the public opined that the campaign

of corruption in social media has not been effective. In addition, majority (33.3%)

of the public can’t say about the transparency of social media in fighting corruption

although a close number of respondents (31.3%) were of the opinion that social

media have been very transparent in the fight against corruption. However,

majority (37.3%) opined that the engagement of social media in fighting corruption

has been very effective. Therefore, based on the findings from the result to

research question one, the opinion of the public has shown that social media has an

influence in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Even though the campaign to

fight against corruption on social media has not been effective. Though the public

can’t certainly say that social media has been very transparent nevertheless, the

engagement of social media in the fight against corruption has been very effective.

This finding is similar to that of Ugochukwu (2020) on evaluation of social media

influence in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. the researcher concluded that
among others that social media are effective in the fight against corruption in

Nigeria.

Similarly, Table 2.2 showed the results for the extent to which social media have

helped reduce corruption in Nigeria. The results showed that majority (58.7%) of

the public Disagreed that due to name call out of corrupt people on social media

platforms, it has helped reduce corruption in Nigeria. Although, (49.3%) of the

public can’t say the extent to which social media have helped reduce corruption in

Nigeria. In addition, majority (61.3%) of the public Disagreed that social media

reports about corrupt activities in Nigeria by the public on social media platforms

have helped reduced corruption in Nigeria. However, majority (46.7%) opined that

social media activism helped reduce corruption in Nigeria to a minimum extent.

Also, majority (61.3%) of the public Disagreed that due to the democratization

impact of social media on the public, corruption in Nigeria has been reduced.

Therefore, based on the above findings, social media have only helped reduced

corruption in Nigeria to a minimum extent. This corroborates with the findings of

Uzochukwu, Patricia and Ukueze (2014) on harnessing social media tools in the

fight against corruption in Nigeria: challenges and prospects. The researchers

argues that social media have potentials for fighting corruption however certain

factors militates against its use in Nigeria


Finally, Table 2.3 showed the results for public opinion on what constitutes

corruption in Nigeria. Majority (56%) of the public Agreed that monetary bribe is a

major constituent of corruption in Nigeria. Although, majority (62%) of the public

Disagreed that prejudice is a major constituent of corruption in Nigeria. In

addition, majority (61.3%) of the public Agreed that Political/Economic

gratifications is one of the major constituents of corruption in Nigeria. Also,

majority (68.6%) Agreed that influence peddling is another major constituent of

corruption in Nigeria. However, majority (61.3%) of the public Disagreed that

abuse of responsibilities is one of the major constituents of corruption in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, (73.3%) Agreed that privileges are considered a major constituent of

corruption in Nigeria. Therefore, based on the findings from the result to research

question three, the opinion of the public has shown that monetary bribe,

Political/Economic gratifications, influence peddling and privileges are the major

constituents of corruption in Nigeria. This corroborates the findings of Barry

Nnaane (2013) on public perception and role of mass media in the fight against

corruption in Nigeria. the findings showed that bribery, inflation of contract,

advance fee fraud (419) and election rigging are what the public perceive to

constitute corruption in Nigeria.


CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Summary

The study examined public perception of the influence of social media in the fight

against corruption in Nigeria. The variables as depicted for the study consisted of

public perception and social media both serving as the independent variables for

this study while the fight against corruption was used as the dependent variable.

Notwithstanding, this study is summarized as follows.

Chapter one consisted of the background to the study, statement of the problem,

objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study,

scope/delimitations of the study and the operational definition of terms. Three

specific objectives and research questions were raised in chapter one to guide the

study. Also, the chapter two for the study entailed the review of related literature

on previous research works on similar topic. It consisted of the conceptual


framework, theoretical review, empirical review and summary of literature review.

This chapter guided the researcher to be able to adopt a suitable methodological

approach to carry out this study. The chapter three was made up of the

methodology for this study which included the research design, population of the

study, sample and sampling technique, research instrument, validity, reliability and

the method of data analysis for this study. Furthermore, the chapter four for this

study entailed the presentation of analysis and discussion of findings for this study.

The data from the retrieved questionnaire which was the instrument used for data

collection were analyzed and interpreted in this chapter. In summary, the findings

for this study as shown in chapter four revealed that social media has an influence

in the fight against corruption in Nigeria but only to a minimum extent while

monetary bribe, Political/Economic gratifications, influence peddling and

privileges are the major constituents of corruption in Nigeria. Finally, the chapter

five entails the summary, conclusions, recommendations and suggestion for further

studies.

5.2 Conclusions

It is no doubt that corruption in Nigeria is now like a cankerworm that has eaten

deep into all sectors of the Nigerian system indicating that even when efforts are

being made to curb this menace, the system itself will look for a way to prevent it.

Notwithstanding, from the findings of this research, the study concluded that social
media has had a positive influence in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, social

media campaign towards the fight against corruption in Nigeria have not been

effective though it has been accountable in fighting corruption in Nigeria. Also,

social media have been very engaging in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and

social media activism as well needs to be encouraged to enable the public create

more awareness as regards the corrupt actions of some individuals in the country.

5.3 Recommendations

Based on the findings of this research, the following recommendations are made:

1. Nigerians should try as much as possible to be active on social media to

enable them become more aware of the corrupt practices taking place in the

country.

2. Nigerians should see social media as a platform that gives them the

opportunity to air their grief towards the corrupt practices that is currently

plaguing the country.

3. If the government truly wants to combat corruption in Nigeria, then they

need to employ social media as one of the tools to fight corruption in the

country.
4. The government should try to create platforms on social media to enable the

people report cases of corruption in their area to enable government agencies

act on time.

5.4 Suggestion for Further Study

In conclusion, more research work can be done on this aspect of study with an

increased population and sample size as it will allow for more public opinions

which may assist in creating new ideas.

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APPENDIX

QUESTIONNAIRE ON PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE INFLUENCE OF

SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA


Dear Respondent,

This questionnaire is strictly for research purpose. Your response to each item in

this questionnaire will be highly appreciated. Your responses are confidential and

will be used only for the purpose of this study. There is no right or wrong answer.

Feel free to provide your responses as it will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Thank you for your co-operation.


SECTION A:

Demographic Data of Adult Respondents from The General Public

Please tick (√) to the option that best describes your feelings about the following statements

1. Age (Years): a) Less than 20 years ( ) b) 21-30 years ( )

c) 31- 40 years ( ) d) 41 & above ( )

2. Marital Status: a) Single ( ) b) Married ( )

c) Divorced ( ) d) Cohabiting ( ) e) Widowed

3. Educational Background: a) Primary Education ( ) b) Secondary

Education ( ) c) Tertiary Education ( ) d) Vocational Education

( ) e) No Formal Education

4. Religion: a) Christian ( ) b) Muslim ( ) c) Traditionalist

( ) d) Others ( )

5. Occupation: a) Student ( ) b) Businessman/ woman ( ) c) Civil

Servant ( ) d) Others ( )
SECTION B:
Public Perception of The Influence of Social Media in The Fight Against
Corruption in Nigeria
Key: from the options SA (Strongly Agree), A (Agree), D (Disagree) and SD
(Strongly Disagree). Tick (√) the one that best satisfies your opinion on each item.
Public Opinion on The Influence of Social Media in The Fight Against
Corruption in Nigeria
1. What is your opinion about the influence of social media in fighting
corruption in Nigeria? (a) No Influence (b) Positive Influence (c)
Satisfactory Influence (d) Can’t Say
2. What is your opinion about campaign of corruption in the social media? (a)
Very Effective (b) Effective (c) Not Effective (d) Challenging
3. What is your opinion about transparency of social media in fighting
corruption? (a) Very Transparent (b) Vindictive (c) Blackmailing (d) Can’t
Say
4. What is your opinion about the accountability of social media in fighting
corruption? (a) Very Accountable (b) Accountable (c) Discriminating (d)
Not Accountable
5. What is your opinion about the engagement of social media in the fight
against corruption? (a) Very Effective (b) Effective (c) Not Effective (d)
Challenging

Public Opinion on The Extent to Which Social Media Have Helped Reduced
Corruption in Nigeria
6. Due to name call out of corrupt people on social media platforms, it has
helped reduce corruption in Nigeria. (a) Strongly Agree (b) Agree (c)
Disagree (d) Strongly Disagree
7. To what extent have social media helped reduce corruption in Nigeria? (a)
Large Extent (b) Minimum Extent (c) Satisfactory Extent (d) Can’t Say
8. Social media reports about corrupt activities in Nigeria by the public on
social media platforms have helped reduced corruption in Nigeria. (a)
Strongly Agree (b) Agree (c) Disagree (d) Strongly Disagree
9. To what extent have social media activism helped reduce corruption in
Nigeria? (a) Large extent (b) Minimum Extent (c) Satisfactory Extent (d)
Can’t Say
10.Due to the democratization impact of social media on the public, corruption
in Nigeria has been reduced. (a) Strongly Agree (b) Agree (c) Disagree (d)
Strongly Disagree

Public Opinion of What Constitutes Corruption in Nigeria


S/ SA A D SD
Statement
N
11 Monetary bribe is the major constituent of
corruption in Nigeria.
12 Prejudice is a major constituent of corruption in
Nigeria.
13 Political/Economic gratifications is one of the
major constituents of corruption in Nigeria.
14 Influence peddling is another major constituent of
corruption in Nigeria.
15 Abuse of responsibilities is one of the major
constituents of corruption in Nigeria.
16 Privileges is considered a major constituent of
corruption in Nigeria.

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