Civil Society and the Anti-Corruption Struggle in Nigeria
Lafenwa Stephen Akinyemi

Abstract
This paper focuses on civil society’s roles in anti–corruption crusades in general and in the Good luck Jonathan’s Administration in particular. It is incontrovertible to point out that the government of Jonathan is perceived to be corrupt given the avalanche of corrupt cases identified with his administration. Relying on qualitative data, the paper argues that the civil society groups in Nigeria are critical in the fight against corruption for good governance to thrive as they have helped to expose and condemn corrupt practices, assisted in passing some anticorruption legislation and protested against public policies considered inimical to public interest. However, as demonstrated in the paper, they are found to be very restricted, very reactive, lacking in organisation and tactics as far as their involvement in the fight against corruption is concerned. It is opined that they have not done enough given the national and international legal frameworks that provide for participation of civil society and media in the anti-corruption initiatives. It is observed that the space for civic participation in Nigeria is highly restricted by government which makes it difficult for civil society that is considered as anti – government to enjoy the benefits of involvement in the fight against corruption. For effective participation of civil society groups in the fight against corruption it is imperative for Federal Government to make it a point of duty to respect international treaties on anti – corruption and guarantee adequate enforcement of anti –graft laws as well as provide conducive atmosphere for this participation.

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