Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated that for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts to succeed, the battle must start with accountability at the highest levels of leadership. Speaking during a virtual interactive session titled “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday night, Obasanjo highlighted the critical need for transparency among top government officials to inspire a culture of integrity throughout the nation.
The session, which was broadcast on private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, explored Obasanjo’s legacies in government and his perspective on Nigeria’s current state.
Corruption: A Hydra-Headed Monster
Obasanjo described corruption as a pervasive issue that has deeply infiltrated Nigeria’s social and political fabric. He likened it to a “babariga” (a traditional flowing garment), explaining that corruption’s complexity makes it difficult to tackle without a holistic and consistent approach.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head. That is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo asserted.
He emphasized that the fight against corruption must be a continuous effort, spanning multiple regimes, and should not be treated as a short-term goal.
“Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep. It’s not a one-day affair, nor a one-regime affair. It has to be consistent, continual, and tackled daily. Once one regime fails to act, corruption spreads even further.”
The Role of Leadership in Combating Corruption
Obasanjo stressed the importance of recruiting leaders based on merit rather than political or tribal affiliations. He argued that leadership selection must prioritize competence and integrity to ensure effective governance.
“Political appointments must be based on merit. Leaders enthroned by God have a higher chance of succeeding than those who impose themselves or are appointed for ulterior motives,” he said.
He further clarified that not all leaders are divinely chosen, noting that some leaders emerge through selfish or even malevolent motives, which often leads to failure. Citing the Biblical story of Job, he explained how leadership can also be influenced by negative forces.
“While many say all leaders are made by God, I don’t believe that. A leader can also be made by Satan. Leaders placed by God are more likely to succeed than those who impose themselves or are appointed by corrupt systems.”
Call for Systemic Change
Obasanjo concluded by calling for systemic reforms in leadership recruitment and governance practices. He urged Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders, stating that a culture of integrity must be cultivated at the top for it to permeate all levels of society.
This session underlined Obasanjo’s enduring belief in the transformative power of good leadership and his unwavering call for a transparent, merit-based governance system to combat corruption effectively.
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