DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ONLINE GOVERNMENT WHISTLEBLOWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
The paper aims at designing and implementing an online whistleblower management system to aid eradicate corruption in a secure and anonymous manner. The system aids in conveying signals or alarms on acts of corruption to relevant security agencies for immediate action. The system is built with bootstrap, css, Aspx technologies.
SCREENSHOTS OF THE APPLICATION
CHAPTER ONE
1.1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a major step by initiating a whistle-blower policy. The Whistle Blower Policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council in December 2016. The policy was created by the Federal Ministry of Finance for whistle-blowers; the goal of the policy is to support the fight against financial crimes and corruption, by increasing exposure of financial crimes and rewarding whistle-blowers. In order to promote such exposure, whistle-blowers are encouraged and offered protection from harassment or intimidation from reported persons and Government organizations.
1.1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM-
Nigeria scored 28 points out of 100 on the 2016 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International. Corruption Index in Nigeria averaged 20.17 Points from 1996 until 2016, reaching an all-time high of 28 Points in 2016 and a record low of 6.90 Points in 1996, with a high rate of corruption both in the Public and Private sector in Nigeria, there is a need to build a platform to enable reporting of mismanagement of public funds and financial malpractice as well as encourage compliance with financial regulations through the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF).
This research work will provide a Whistle Blower Management System capable of allowing the general public to report any misconduct, thief of government property or inappropriate use of public funds and any form of corruption. It will also aid proper storage and maintenance of reported government officials to face charges based on the crime committed. Furthermore, a whistleblower is expected to submit his/ her information with evidence, if he has any, and with as much precision and specifics as to dates, time, events and persons involved in order to aid proper investigation.
1.1.2 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY-
This web based application provides the following benefits:
i. Creates and Publicizes the Whistle blowing Policy of the Federal Government.
ii. Encourages Reporting Stolen Government Funds and Properties.
iii. Fully automated database system for further investigation of charges reported.
iv. Decrease Corruption among Public and Private Government workers.
v. Increase and Culture fear into governments workers for fear of being reported.
vi. Provides authentic, qualitative and comprehensive data gotten from the whistle blower to charge reporter persons’ to court.
1.1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF STUDY
The project is to create a web based application for reporting corrupt government officials and fighting corruption in Nigeria, to bring corrupt government officials to face the full wrath of the law and eliminate the tedious process of reporting corruption through the normal conventional process of ‘paper and pen’ whistle blowing. The scope covers the activities involved in acquiring enough evidence before blowing whistle which will result in fighting corruption among government office holders and the general public. The Limitation of this research work is, the system will be available online and as such are inaccessible by many who don’t have access to internet but have enough evidence to nail a corrupt official.
1.1.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Financial Crimes- are crimes against property, involving the unlawful conversion of the ownership of property (belonging to one person) to one's own personal use and benefit.
Corruption - Corruption is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. Corruption may include many activities including bribery and embezzlement.
Intimidation - is the crime of intentionally or knowingly putting another person in fear of bodily injury.
Public Funds - is money that comes from the government, often through taxes, that is used to help the public through goods and services.
1.1.5 REFERENCES
An Appraisal of the Whistleblowing Policy in Nigeria. (May 09, 2017). Retrieved from http//www.naijalegaltalkngcom/article/other-important-legal-info/287-an-appraisal-of-the-whistleblowing-policy-in-nigeria
Nigeria’s Whistle- blower policy. (December 26, 2016). Retrieved from http//punchngcom/nigerias-whistle-blower-policy/
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, (6th ed.). (200). New York: Oxford University press.
Phillips, O. Okolo. (2014). Corruption in Nigeria: The Possible Way Out. Bayelsa: Niger Delta University Publishers.
The Importance of Whistle Blowing. (June 29, 2010). Retrieved from http//www.astronsolutionsnet/the-importance-of-whistle-blowing/
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