ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF CORRUPTION ON CO-OPERATIVE EFFICIENCY IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
This study focused on assessing the influence of corruption on co-operative efficiency in Enugu State, Nigeria. It was guided by two specific objectives. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population comprises coordinating and regular members of co-operative societies drawn from the three senatorial zones of Enugu State numbering 306. The entire population was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Mean ratings and t-test statistical tool were used for analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses. The study revealed that both forms of corrupt practices within the operations of co-operatives have significant effect on co-operatives’ capacity to mobilize capital for their members as evident by result from the hypotheses tested (non-democratic control [t(4)=0.4331, p<0.05]; and embezzlement [t(4)=1.89, p<0.05]). It was further revealed, among others, that some coordinating members (representatives) exhibit autocratic leadership style, which restrict regular members involvement in decision making process in those co-operatives; that embezzling funds generated from registration/induction of new members by co-operatives representatives reduces the capital base of such co-operatives. It was concluded that corruption is a major plague that hampers the efficiency of co-operatives and at large impede their growth in the study area. The study recommended among other things that the anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC should begin to look into the affairs of co-operatives, as it will help deter the coordinators of co-operatives from embezzling co-operative funds and government officials from diverting co-operative grants for personal use.