Abstract
This paper examines the interrelations between Amos 2:6-16 and institutional corruption in the context of Nigeria. Existing studies have analysed Amos 2:6-16 and institutional corruption historically and socio-politically. However, only a few studies have critically analyzed Amos 2:6:16 and applied it to the Nigerian context as it relates to institutional corruption. Thus, this research establishes a critical basis for the conceptualisation of Amos 2:6-16 and institutional corruption in the context of Nigeria. The historical-critical method of biblical exegesis and the contextual biblical interpretation method of expressing biblical message in a contemporary context were deployed. The exegesis discovered that Israel abandoned the covenantal demands to care for the vulnerable of the society and, consequently, engaged in social, religious and judicial abuses. The research discovers that institutional corruption is essentially organised and involves the manipulation of social structures for personal gains. The abuses in Amos 2:6-16 show features of organised corruption and, just like the 8th century Israel, those with political power and the powerful rich in Nigeria manipulate the system at the detriment of the vulnerable poor. This paper concludes by recommending the election of credible leaders into public offices, strengthening the rule of law, encouraging citizenship participation in leadership selection and reform of the civil service as possible solutions to the problem.
Keywords
Introduction
1. Introduction Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed growth politically, economically and in other vital areas of development. However, this growth has not been progressive and this inconsistent growth trajectory finds its root in institutional corruption. The developmental strides are consistently being eroded by corruption which is carried out in different facets of life in Nigeria. Institutional corruption is systemic, with a structure that drives and encourages it. Corruption frustrates all forms of actions against its operations as it is woven into the fabrics of governance. Thus, it is perpetrated in politics, civil service, the military, religious and educational institutions, among others. Consequently, some who hold public offices see these offices as opportunities to loot public funds, while judicial corruption keeps increasing, with judges giving judgments to favour their cronies. The oppression of the poor and vulnerable of the society is not abating with tough economic and social policies widening the gap between the powerful rich and vulnerable poor.
Amos 2:6-16 narrates the practice of judicial injustice, oppression of the vulnerable, abuse of social power and religious violation in 8th-century Israel. It presents a society where the powerful abandoned the religious obligation of care for the vulnerable of the society and completely exploited the poor. These features provide a basis for examining whether, and to what extent, the narrative may illuminate contemporary institutional corruption in Nigeria. Therefore, Amos 2:6-16 will be analysed and institutional corruption will be deployed as an analytical category to better conceptualise the text. This paper argues that Amos 2:6-16 provides the basis for examining institutional corruption in Nigeria. However, understanding that both contexts are different historically, politically and institutionally, ethical and theological analogies would guide the application of the text to the Nigerian context.
It is important to stress that there are existing literatures that have examined Amos 2:6 16 historically and have also studied institutional corruption from socio-political point of view. However, there are few exegetical studies that have applied the prophetic charge of Amos 2:6-16 to the context of contemporary Nigeria as it relates to institutional corruption. Thus, this study seeks to fill this gap.
Amos 2:6-16 narrates the practice of judicial injustice, oppression of the vulnerable, abuse of social power and religious violation in 8th-century Israel. It presents a society where the powerful abandoned the religious obligation of care for the vulnerable of the society and completely exploited the poor. These features provide a basis for examining whether, and to what extent, the narrative may illuminate contemporary institutional corruption in Nigeria. Therefore, Amos 2:6-16 will be analysed and institutional corruption will be deployed as an analytical category to better conceptualise the text. This paper argues that Amos 2:6-16 provides the basis for examining institutional corruption in Nigeria. However, understanding that both contexts are different historically, politically and institutionally, ethical and theological analogies would guide the application of the text to the Nigerian context.
It is important to stress that there are existing literatures that have examined Amos 2:6 16 historically and have also studied institutional corruption from socio-political point of view. However, there are few exegetical studies that have applied the prophetic charge of Amos 2:6-16 to the context of contemporary Nigeria as it relates to institutional corruption. Thus, this study seeks to fill this gap.
Content
Historical Background of Amos 2:6-16 Amos' prophetic mission was in the northern kingdom of Israel and this coincided with the reigns of Jeroboam II (Israel) and Uzziah (Judah). Under Jeroboam II, Israel witnessed economic prosperity and it was at the height of its powers (Lange et al., 2008). Judah too was not left behind in this economic and military growth (Andersen & Freedman, 2008). During this period, Assyria did not pose any threat to both nations (Lange et al., 2008), as Jeroboam II restored and strengthened the boundaries of Israel (cf. 2 Kings 14:25; Eickmann, 2002). Such territorial expansion aided greatly the economic prosperity of Israel under Jeroboam II. However, in terms of religion, Israel faltered, just as Judah was not any better. Jeroboam II's continuation of the cult instituted by Jeroboam I (cf. 2 Kings 14:24) and king Uzziah's pride which led to his “intrusion into the sanctuary” (Andersen & Freedman, 2008, p. 20), marked the beginning of the decline of both nations. Specifically, in the northern kingdom, the practice of idolatry and blatant violation of the covenantal demands paved the way for the prophetic ministry of Amos.
Methodology:
This research is qualitative in design and this allowed the research to probe and understand issues in their peculiar context and the meaning ascribed to them (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). This research relied on existing literature, books and documents in collating data. Specifically, the historical-critical method of biblical exegesis was used. The exegesis involved the delineation of the literary structure, historical-critical evaluation of the Amos 2:6-16 and the exposition of its theological underpinnings. Also, the contextual biblical interpretation method was deployed and it involved establishing an analytical nexus between Amos 2:6-16 and the Nigerian context which produced an ethical-theological framework for institutional evaluation in Nigeria. The
Methodology:
This research is qualitative in design and this allowed the research to probe and understand issues in their peculiar context and the meaning ascribed to them (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). This research relied on existing literature, books and documents in collating data. Specifically, the historical-critical method of biblical exegesis was used. The exegesis involved the delineation of the literary structure, historical-critical evaluation of the Amos 2:6-16 and the exposition of its theological underpinnings. Also, the contextual biblical interpretation method was deployed and it involved establishing an analytical nexus between Amos 2:6-16 and the Nigerian context which produced an ethical-theological framework for institutional evaluation in Nigeria. The
Conclusion
This paper examined Amos 2:6-16 and critically exposed institutional corruption as an analytical category that has aided the understanding of the text within the context of Nigeria. The social and judicial corruption in Israel violated the all – important divine demand to care for the vulnerable of the society. Systemic corruption remains a reality today in Nigeria and, just like the 8th-century Israel, it continues to reinforce social, judicial and political aberrations in governance.
References
References
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Legal Response”. African Journal of Law and Human Right. 7(1), 141-147.
Adamaagashi, P.I., & Olajide E. (2023). “Examining Corruption and Accountability in
Nigeria through a Theoretical Lens of Political Structures”. International
Journal of Innovative Development and Policy Studies. 11 (3), 1–10.
Adamu, I. (2025). “Salary Increment and Increased Poverty among Workers: A
Comprehensive Evaluation of Nigeria's 2024 Salary Increment”. FUDMA
International Journal of Social Sciences. 5 (1), 149-163.
Anene, C.P., & Iyala, O.T. (2023). “Corruption in the Nigeria Judicial System: The Way
Forward”.International Journal of Global Research in Politics, Governance and
Management. 4 (1), 57-65.
Andersen, F. I., & Freedman D.T. (2008). Amos: A New Translation with Introduction
and Commentary. Yale University Press.
Atakpa O.E., & Akpan, C.S. (2023). “Corruption in Public Administration and National
Development in Nigeria”. Open Journal of Social Science. 11, 120-134.
13
Onwordi, F. A.
Craigie, P. C. (2001). Twelve Prophets: Volume 1. John Knox Press.
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Ediagbonuvie, S. G., & Gasiokwu, P. I. (2025). “Emerging Trends in Judicial Corruption
in Nigeria”. Global Journal of Politics and Law Research. 13 (4),119-133.
Essoh, P.A., Daniel U.S, & Asangausung O.S. (2025). “An Assessment of Nigeria's Anti
Corruption Agencies: Challenges and Implication for National Development”. IJO
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research. 8(5), 1-18.
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Gbadamosi, T.V., & Ajogbeje, O. O. (2018). “Causes and Effects of Political Corruption
in Nigeria: Implication for Social Studies Education”. Nigerian Journal of Social
Studies. 21 (1), 1-20.
Gingrich, R. E. (2004). The Books of Amos, Obadiah and Jonah. Riverside Printing.
Ibrahim, A.L., Ibrahim Z.O., & Ibrahim M.S. (2024). “Imperative of the Rule of Law for
Enhancement of Good Governance and Attainment of Socio-Economic and Political
Stability in Nigeria”. Journal of Political Discourse. 2 (2), 21-32.
Kabiru, S. A (2019). “Causes of Corruption in Nigeria: Implication for National
Development”.Journal of Management and Economic Studies, 1 (4), 20-27.
DOI: 10.26677/TR1010.2019.115
Lange, J. P., Schaff, P., Schmoller, O., & Chambers, T. W. (2008). Amos: A Commentary
on the Holy Scriptures: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Martin-Achard, R., & Re'emi, S. P. (1984). God's People in Crisis. Handsel Press.
Mamahit, F.Y., & Venter, P.M. (2010). “Oracle against Israel's Social Injustice: A
Rhetorical Analysis of Amos 2:6-8”. Theological Studies. 66 (1): 1-11.
14
Planeyo Journal of Arts and Humanities (PLANJAH) Volume 3, Number 4, 2026
DOI:10.4102/hts.v66i1.729.
Miller, S. (2017). Institutional corruption: A Study in Applied Philosophy. Cambridge
University Press. h ps://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/instu onal
corrup on/definingcorrup on/69FF36BB7CF49EB44FCD6C3CA1B72129
Mohammed, A.M. (2025). “Political Leadership and Good Governance in Nigeria:
Challenges, Implications and the Path to Development”. Amino Kano Academic
Scholars Association Multidisciplinary Journal. 2, 217-232.
Obasanjo, O. (2017). 'How Nigerian Churches are Encouraging Corruption'. A Paper
Presented at the Convention of Victory Life Bible Church International.
Abeokuta, Ogun State. h ps://www.premium mesng.com/news/headlines/228306
nigerian-churches-encourage-corruption-obansonjo.html
Ogilvie, L. J. (1990). Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah: The Preacher's
Commentary Series. Vol. 22. Thomas Nelson Inc.
Oni, O. E. (2021). “Contextualizing Corruption in Anti-Corruption: The Perspectives
of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
(ICPC), Nigeria”. Global Journal of Political Science and Administration. 9
(4),16-43.
Paul, S. M., & Cross, F. M (1991). Amos: Hermeneia – A Critical and Historical
Commentary on The Bible. Fortress Press.
Rahman A.M., & Sobuz, S. (2026). Administrative Corruption (An Explanative
Overview).h ps://www.academia.edu/34144608/Administra ve_Corrup on_An_Ex
plana ve_Overview.
Schulz, A. W. (2023). “Institutional Corruption, The Teleological and Non normative
Account”. Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy. 23(3), 464-494.
h ps://doi.org/10.26556/jesp.v25i3.230.
Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (2001). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah. (electronic ed.) Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
Smith-Crowe, K., and Warren, D.E. (2014). “The Emotions-evoked Collective
Corruption Model:The Role of Emotion in the Spread of Corruption within
Organizations”. Journal of Organizational Science. 25 (1), 1154–1171. DOI:
10.1287/orsc.2014.0896
Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (2004). Amos: The Pulpit Commentary: Logos Research
Systems, Inc.
Takeme, J.E. (2026). “Legal and Institutional Framework for the Fight against
15
Onwordi, F. A.
Corruption in Nigeria: The Judiciary in Perspective”. International Journal of
Law. 12 (3), 32-38.
Ukaeje, O. (2022,). “Institutional Corruption as the Bane of Critical Infrastructure
Protection in Nigeria”. Security and Defense Quarterly. 39 (3), 63–75. DOI:
10.35467/sdq/147652.
Umoudo, N., Itoro, B. E., & Umoren, S. U. (2025). “Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) and the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria. An Overview
(2012-2022).” Journal of Economics and Business Management. 2 (8).
h ps://zenodo.org/records/16888646
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and National Bureau of
Statistics (NBS). (2024). Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends. Third
Survey on Corruption as Experienced by the Population. h ps://www.unodc.org.
Waard, J. D. Smalley, William, A. & Smalley, W. A (1979). A Translator's Handbook on
the Book of Amos. United Bible Societies.
Wolff, H. W., & McBride, S. D. (1977). Joel and Amos: A Commentary on the Books of
theProphets Joel and Amos. Fortress Press.
Yusuf, U.A (2014). “Causes and Effects of Corruption in Nigeria”. International
Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management. 2 (4), 1-10
Abonyi, A.U. (2023). “Corruption in Sacred Places and Worship Centers in Nigeria: A
Legal Response”. African Journal of Law and Human Right. 7(1), 141-147.
Adamaagashi, P.I., & Olajide E. (2023). “Examining Corruption and Accountability in
Nigeria through a Theoretical Lens of Political Structures”. International
Journal of Innovative Development and Policy Studies. 11 (3), 1–10.
Adamu, I. (2025). “Salary Increment and Increased Poverty among Workers: A
Comprehensive Evaluation of Nigeria's 2024 Salary Increment”. FUDMA
International Journal of Social Sciences. 5 (1), 149-163.
Anene, C.P., & Iyala, O.T. (2023). “Corruption in the Nigeria Judicial System: The Way
Forward”.International Journal of Global Research in Politics, Governance and
Management. 4 (1), 57-65.
Andersen, F. I., & Freedman D.T. (2008). Amos: A New Translation with Introduction
and Commentary. Yale University Press.
Atakpa O.E., & Akpan, C.S. (2023). “Corruption in Public Administration and National
Development in Nigeria”. Open Journal of Social Science. 11, 120-134.
13
Onwordi, F. A.
Craigie, P. C. (2001). Twelve Prophets: Volume 1. John Knox Press.
Denzin, N., & Lincoln, Y. (2005). Introduction: The Discipline and Practice of
Qualitative Research. In The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (3rd ed.,).
Sage Publications.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment Act). (2004). Heritage
Press Limited.
Eickmann, P. E. (2002). Hosea, Joel, Amos. 2nd Ed. Northwestern Pub. House.
Ediagbonuvie, S. G., & Gasiokwu, P. I. (2025). “Emerging Trends in Judicial Corruption
in Nigeria”. Global Journal of Politics and Law Research. 13 (4),119-133.
Essoh, P.A., Daniel U.S, & Asangausung O.S. (2025). “An Assessment of Nigeria's Anti
Corruption Agencies: Challenges and Implication for National Development”. IJO
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research. 8(5), 1-18.
Finley, T. J. (2003). Joel, Amos, Obadiah; Minor Prophets Exegetical Commentary
Series. Biblical Studies Press,
Folarin, G.O., & Olanisebe, S.O. (2014). “Threat of Judgment in Amos and Its Lessons
for Nigeria”. European Scientific Journal September. 10 (26), 243-261.
Gbadamosi, T.V., & Ajogbeje, O. O. (2018). “Causes and Effects of Political Corruption
in Nigeria: Implication for Social Studies Education”. Nigerian Journal of Social
Studies. 21 (1), 1-20.
Gingrich, R. E. (2004). The Books of Amos, Obadiah and Jonah. Riverside Printing.
Ibrahim, A.L., Ibrahim Z.O., & Ibrahim M.S. (2024). “Imperative of the Rule of Law for
Enhancement of Good Governance and Attainment of Socio-Economic and Political
Stability in Nigeria”. Journal of Political Discourse. 2 (2), 21-32.
Kabiru, S. A (2019). “Causes of Corruption in Nigeria: Implication for National
Development”.Journal of Management and Economic Studies, 1 (4), 20-27.
DOI: 10.26677/TR1010.2019.115
Lange, J. P., Schaff, P., Schmoller, O., & Chambers, T. W. (2008). Amos: A Commentary
on the Holy Scriptures: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Martin-Achard, R., & Re'emi, S. P. (1984). God's People in Crisis. Handsel Press.
Mamahit, F.Y., & Venter, P.M. (2010). “Oracle against Israel's Social Injustice: A
Rhetorical Analysis of Amos 2:6-8”. Theological Studies. 66 (1): 1-11.
14
Planeyo Journal of Arts and Humanities (PLANJAH) Volume 3, Number 4, 2026
DOI:10.4102/hts.v66i1.729.
Miller, S. (2017). Institutional corruption: A Study in Applied Philosophy. Cambridge
University Press. h ps://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/instu onal
corrup on/definingcorrup on/69FF36BB7CF49EB44FCD6C3CA1B72129
Mohammed, A.M. (2025). “Political Leadership and Good Governance in Nigeria:
Challenges, Implications and the Path to Development”. Amino Kano Academic
Scholars Association Multidisciplinary Journal. 2, 217-232.
Obasanjo, O. (2017). 'How Nigerian Churches are Encouraging Corruption'. A Paper
Presented at the Convention of Victory Life Bible Church International.
Abeokuta, Ogun State. h ps://www.premium mesng.com/news/headlines/228306
nigerian-churches-encourage-corruption-obansonjo.html
Ogilvie, L. J. (1990). Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah: The Preacher's
Commentary Series. Vol. 22. Thomas Nelson Inc.
Oni, O. E. (2021). “Contextualizing Corruption in Anti-Corruption: The Perspectives
of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
(ICPC), Nigeria”. Global Journal of Political Science and Administration. 9
(4),16-43.
Paul, S. M., & Cross, F. M (1991). Amos: Hermeneia – A Critical and Historical
Commentary on The Bible. Fortress Press.
Rahman A.M., & Sobuz, S. (2026). Administrative Corruption (An Explanative
Overview).h ps://www.academia.edu/34144608/Administra ve_Corrup on_An_Ex
plana ve_Overview.
Schulz, A. W. (2023). “Institutional Corruption, The Teleological and Non normative
Account”. Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy. 23(3), 464-494.
h ps://doi.org/10.26556/jesp.v25i3.230.
Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (2001). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah. (electronic ed.) Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
Smith-Crowe, K., and Warren, D.E. (2014). “The Emotions-evoked Collective
Corruption Model:The Role of Emotion in the Spread of Corruption within
Organizations”. Journal of Organizational Science. 25 (1), 1154–1171. DOI:
10.1287/orsc.2014.0896
Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (2004). Amos: The Pulpit Commentary: Logos Research
Systems, Inc.
Takeme, J.E. (2026). “Legal and Institutional Framework for the Fight against
15
Onwordi, F. A.
Corruption in Nigeria: The Judiciary in Perspective”. International Journal of
Law. 12 (3), 32-38.
Ukaeje, O. (2022,). “Institutional Corruption as the Bane of Critical Infrastructure
Protection in Nigeria”. Security and Defense Quarterly. 39 (3), 63–75. DOI:
10.35467/sdq/147652.
Umoudo, N., Itoro, B. E., & Umoren, S. U. (2025). “Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) and the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria. An Overview
(2012-2022).” Journal of Economics and Business Management. 2 (8).
h ps://zenodo.org/records/16888646
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and National Bureau of
Statistics (NBS). (2024). Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends. Third
Survey on Corruption as Experienced by the Population. h ps://www.unodc.org.
Waard, J. D. Smalley, William, A. & Smalley, W. A (1979). A Translator's Handbook on
the Book of Amos. United Bible Societies.
Wolff, H. W., & McBride, S. D. (1977). Joel and Amos: A Commentary on the Books of
theProphets Joel and Amos. Fortress Press.
Yusuf, U.A (2014). “Causes and Effects of Corruption in Nigeria”. International
Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management. 2 (4), 1-10