CORRUPTION IN MICAH 3:9-11 AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIAN LEADERS

Abstract

Corruption is a deviation from what is considered right, ethical and culturally acceptable. It is a pervasion or compromise of the norms and values of a particular group of people in a society. Corruption has been a persistent challenge for societies throughout history, with profound consequences for social, economic, and political stability. The study aims to showcase the socio-economic and political implications of corruption as outlined in Micah’s prophecy, analyzing how such behaviour hampers development, erodes trust, and undermines democratic processes in Nigeria. By situating the biblical text within the framework of contemporary political analysis, this paper highlights the importance of integrating moral and religious principles into governance.The method used for this research is exegetical exegesis of Micah 3:9-11 to understand the original context and meaning of the passage, combined with a comparative analysis of contemporary Nigerian political and leadership dynamics. The paper engages with existing literature on biblical perspectives on leadership and corruption, alongside scholarly works on governance and anti-corruption in Nigeria, to identify gaps and propose unique contributions. It emphasizes how Micah’s message serves as a critique not only of ancient Israel but also as a cautionary tale for present-day leaders facing similar ethical dilemmas. It was found out that corruption is more than what the majority thought it is: any deviation, no matter how insignificant the degree is, from what is the norm, culturally acceptable behaviours and practices within a society. The enduring impacts of corruption on societies are enormous, including hindrance to economic. This paper underlines that true progress in Nigeria and similar contexts can be achieved by aligning spiritual and ethical values with effective governance. The work concluded that the phenomenon of corruption has become pervasive, affective every area of human life. The paper thus recommends the foster of ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability, through proper and pragmatic re-orientation. By drawing inspiration from biblical teachings, advocacy for collective efforts to combat corruption and envision a future where ethical leadership leads to a just, equitable, and prosperous society is imperative.