Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed that Nigeria’s war against corruption can only achieve meaningful success if it starts with the leaders at the top of the government. He argued that addressing corruption within the highest echelons of power would set a powerful example for the rest of the country, signaling the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
Obasanjo made these remarks during an interactive session titled Boiling Point Arena, which took place on Sunday night on Zoom and was broadcast by private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The discussion focused on Obasanjo’s legacy in governance and his perspectives on the current state of the nation.
The former president described corruption as a deeply entrenched and multifaceted issue that has corroded the fabric of Nigerian society.
He emphasized that an effective fight against corruption must begin with the leadership, pointing out that leadership is key to fostering a culture of accountability and ethical conduct.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo stated.
He further argued that the fight against corruption must not be episodic or reactive but should be a consistent and daily endeavor.
“Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep. It’s not a one-day affair. It’s not a one-regime affair. It has to be consistent. It has to be continual. It has to be a daily affair. Once one regime is let off, it spreads,” Obasanjo explained.
The former president also referenced the analogy of corruption provided by the late Sultan of Sokoto, who compared corruption to a babariga (a traditional Nigerian garment).
He explained that corruption is ever-changing, and the more it is hidden or suppressed on one side, the more it falls apart on the other. Obasanjo urged that the fight must be comprehensive and unrelenting, as neglect or inconsistency could lead to its resurgence.
Obasanjo also touched on the issue of leadership selection, calling for a radical shift in how public officeholders are appointed. He argued that political appointments should be made based on merit rather than political affiliations or tribal considerations.
The former president suggested that this change could help eliminate the systemic corruption associated with incompetent or improperly chosen leaders.
On the matter of leadership itself, Obasanjo offered his views on the nature of leadership, stating that true leaders are often divinely appointed.
“Most leaders are prepared by God and put in place by God, and when that happens, the chances of success are higher than when you make yourself a leader,” he said.
He further noted that while all leaders are not necessarily made by God, some could also be placed by forces of darkness, as he illustrated with a biblical reference to Job.
