Corruption and accountability mechanisms within Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State

Abstract

This study examined corruption and accountability mechanisms within Igbo Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State. It focused on four major areas: the dominant forms and patterns of corruption; the effectiveness of accountability systems; the roles of traditional institutions in enforcing accountability; and the effects of alleged financial mismanagement on infrastructure and service delivery. Drawing from quantitative survey responses, and framed by the Principal-Agent Theory. The findings shows that; corruption within Igbo Eze South Local Government manifests through contract inflation, nepotism, bribery, and ghost workers, accountability mechanisms in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area are largely ineffective due to weak enforcement and minimal transparency in fund utilization, traditional institutions, such as community elders and village heads, serve as moral watchdogs. It recommends that; The ICPC should establish a permanent local monitoring unit in Igbo Eze South to conduct routine audits, investigate project implementation, and prosecute any identified cases of embezzlement or contract inflation, The Ministry should introduce a quarterly public financial disclosure policy requiring all local government departments in Igbo Eze South to publish budget allocations, expenditures.