Digitalisation Doesn’t Stop Corruption – Policy Analyst Dr Peter Terkper
Policy analyst Dr. Peter Terkper has cautioned that while digitalization brings efficiency and transparency to governance systems, it does not completely eliminate corruption.
According to him, digital systems may reduce the frequency of corrupt practices but tend to increase the value of those that occur.
“Digitalization doesn’t stop corruption but rather releases the value chain. It creates opportunities for people to exploit loopholes. What we must do is strengthen our systems to prevent these corrupt practices,” Dr. Tekper explained.
He emphasized the need for robust control mechanisms to countercheck digital processes in order to safeguard integrity and accountability.
Commenting on the ongoing debate over the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, Dr. Tekper stated that the body does not require parliamentary ratification to function.
He explained that ORAL operates as an investigative committee tasked with gathering information on specific issues and therefore does not fall under the category of statutory bodies requiring parliamentary approval.
“They are not a legally mandated body that requires parliamentary establishment. Their role is to facilitate information gathering. Even the Attorney General could set up a similar structure from his office to carry out the same functions,” he noted.
Dr. Tekper further stressed that the eligibility of individuals working under such a body should not be in question, since its operations fall within the legal framework.
