Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reaffirmed that the fight against corruption in Nigeria must begin at the very top, urging that leadership accountability is the key to eradicating the deeply entrenched issues in the country.
According to Obasanjo, when leaders set a proper example, it sends a powerful message that the government is committed to transparency and integrity, creating a ripple effect that can reach all levels of society.
In a recent interactive session that was aired in Abeokuta, Ogun State, late Sunday night, Obasanjo shared his thoughts on corruption, leadership, and Nigeria’s political landscape. The conversation reflected on his legacies in office and offered his insights into the challenges Nigeria and its people are faces today.
Obasanjo described corruption as a multi-faceted, deeply ingrained problem that has since bitten into every corner of Nigerian society.
He emphasized that in order for any anti-corruption effort to succeed, it must start with the leadership.
"Corruption must be tackled at the top,” Obasanjo asserted, “because that is where the rot starts."
He likened corruption to a complex, ever-evolving problem that requires persistent effort to combat. Drawing on an analogy from the Sultan of Sokoto’s father, Obasanjo said that fighting corruption is like trying to hold up a (babariga)traditional garment which falls apart when one attempts to manage it without addressing the root causes.
He further argued that corruption cannot be eradicated in one term or with a singular effort, stating that it requires a continual, daily commitment from every government and every leader.
"Corruption is like a hydra-headed monster. If one head is cut off, another emerges," he explained. "It cannot be a one-time fix. It must be a consistent, ongoing effort."
Moreover, Obasanjo stressed the importance of leadership selection. He advocated for a system in which political appointments are made based on merit rather than political or tribal considerations. This, he argued, would ensure that only competent and capable individuals are entrusted with public office, rather than those who secure positions through political patronage or other dubious means.
The former president also shared his views on the nature of leadership, emphasizing the idea that true leaders are divinely ordained. He noted that leaders who rise through corrupt or self-serving means are bound to fail.
“Leadership is not something that can be self-made, It is God who makes a leader, and when God places someone in power, they are more likely to succeed.”
However, Obasanjo acknowledged that not all leadership is divinely inspired, citing the example of Job from biblical stories, where Satan played a role in shaping Job's trials.
"Not all leaders are made by God, some leaders can be made by Satan, too. We must recognize that Satan has power, and his influence cannot be underestimated,” the former president said.
In conclusion, Obasanjo called for a fundamental shift in the way Nigeria approaches leadership and governance. He urged that the fight against corruption must start with those at the top, and that political appointments should prioritize merit over patronage.
For any meaningful change to occur, he argued, the war on corruption must be persistent, transparent, and, above all, led by those who are committed to integrity at every level.
