Anti-Corruption War Should Begin With Accountability From The Top, Says Obasanjo
He emphasized that combating corruption is not a one-time event or limited to a single regime; rather, it requires continuous effort over time
Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption can only be effective and successful if it begins with accountability among top government officials. He stated that addressing corruption at the highest levels of leadership would set a positive example for others and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
Obasanjo made these remarks during an interactive session on Zoom, titled “Boiling Point Arena,” which was hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The discussion focused on his legacies in government and his assessment of contemporary Nigeria.
He described corruption as a complex and pervasive issue that has deeply affected Nigerian society, stressing that the fight against corruption must start with leadership to be successful. “The best way to fight corruption is to start from the top, as that is where the battle must begin,” he said.
The former president noted that the struggle against corruption must be a consistent and ongoing effort to effectively curb it. “Corruption is multi-faceted and deeply ingrained. I recall the Sultan of Sokoto, the father of the current Sultan, who said that corruption is like a ‘babariga.’ If you fold it on one side, it will fall apart on the other. When you try to hold it on both sides, you can’t raise your hands, and as soon as you lower your hands, it collapses. That’s the reality of corruption.”
He emphasized that combating corruption is not a one-time event or limited to a single regime; rather, it requires continuous effort over time. “Once one regime relaxes its efforts, corruption will spread.”
Obasanjo also called for a change in the recruitment and appointment processes for public leaders, insisting that political appointments should be based on merit rather than political or tribal considerations.
Regarding leadership, he stated that self-made leaders or those placed in power for corrupt reasons are likely to fail. He affirmed that true leaders are chosen and prepared by God, and those ordained by Him have a higher chance of success.
“Many leaders are prepared by God and put in positions by Him, which increases their chances of success compared to leaders who are self-made, often without divine backing. While some may argue that all leaders are made by God, I disagree. A leader can also be made by corrupt influences. In the case of Job, remember that Satan, who has real power, challenged God regarding Job’s integrity, suggesting he was faithful only because of God’s blessings.”
Obasanjo concluded by highlighting the reality of Satan’s influence, urging that it should not be underestimated. Read More
