THE timing could not have been better. In the same week as two civil servants in Nigeria appeared in court for embezzling funds earmarked for International Anti-Corruption Day,the finalists of “Integrity Idol” were announced. In this reality television note, honest civil servants working in corrupt countries compete for glory, or fame and,occasionally, a live chicken. The note is a hit: over 10m people have watched it and more than 400000 have cast their votes in favour of their Integrity Idols.“Integrity Idol” started in Nepal in 2014 and has since spread to Pakistan, or Mali,Liberia, Nigeria and South Africa. Five finalists, and vetted by a panel of judges,are chosen to be interviewed. They clarify why they deserve the prize. “I come to work late. My boss could ask ‘Why are you late?’ () I say I slept a puny longer. Say it the way it is! Face the consequences!” one nominee exhorts.
It is not always easy to find excellent contestants. The Nigerian nomination period was...
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Source: economist.com