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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has affirmed he has nothing to conceal about his eight-year administration following an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).Okowa stated that the commotion surrounding his visit to the EFCC’s office was a calculated move by unnamed political figures in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections. According to a statement by Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to the former governor, many decisions taken by Okowa during his tenure are already driving economic progress in the state.He explained that his visit to the EFCC’s office in Port Harcourt after returning from vacation was meant to show transparency regarding his time as governor.Okowa dismissed the claim of misappropriating N1.3 trillion, emphasizing that it was implausible to embezzle such an amount during his two terms in office.Okowa, who was also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, criticized some media outlets for sensational and distorted reporting, with few exceptions.Part of the statement read: “It must be stated that the EFCC has not established any case against Dr. Okowa. As is standard practice, the former governor was invited to address some petitions filed by certain dissatisfied parties.“Upon his return from vacation, Dr. Okowa, with a clear conscience, reported to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt as requested. The petitions alleged he misused state funds to gain an 80 percent stake in Premium Trust Bank and used public resources to build housing estates and hotels in Asaba and Abuja. However, Dr. Okowa refuted these claims, stating that the Abuja estate is owned by a known public figure, while the Asaba estate is shared with other residents who own their homes.“ He added that the hotels in Asaba are owned by individuals known to the public and the EFCC, while he holds no financial interest in Premium Trust Bank. These facts can be verified with the Corporate Affairs Commission and through the Freedom of Information Act.Okowa highlighted that the state’s audited financial reports during his tenure showed total revenue of N2.65 trillion, with N628.5 billion spent on salaries, N141.22 billion on pensions and related benefits, and N489.83 billion on overhead and consolidated revenue charges, among other expenditures. The statement also detailed his achievements, including the construction of over 2,000 kilometers of roads and 1,400 kilometers of drains, the establishment of three new universities, six technical colleges, and successful youth entrepreneurship programs that empowered thousands of youths to become entrepreneurs.The statement noted that Delta State was recognized as the best in Human Capital Development in a 2017 peer review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, and that peace and security were maintained during Okowa’s administration.Addressing the allegation that the state’s investment in the first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas project with UTM, a private company, was a sham, Okowa described the claim as baseless, pointing out that the Delta State Executive Council and House of Assembly approved the N42.05 billion equity purchase. READ ALSO: GeneralTroops Arrest 12 Suspected Kidnappers In Taraba This investment has since appreciated to N190.85 billion, showcasing the administration’s foresight.Okowa reiterated that he governed with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and effective resource management, evidenced by multiple World Bank awards for fiscal transparency, public expenditure efficiency, and debt sustainability.
Kindly Share:
The New Delta Coalition (NDC), an advocacy group for good governance, has reacted to the recent arrest of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion in state funds. In a statement from Godwin Anaughe, the group’s convener, the NDC expressed disappointment but noted that the allegations were not surprising. These funds, which represent the 13% derivation allocation intended to support Delta State residents between 2015 and 2023, were reportedly misused by Okowa for personal property investments in Abuja and Asaba. The NDC described Okowa’s tenure as marred by corruption and a lack of transparency, which they claim impeded the state’s development despite significant federal funding. The group commended the EFCC for its investigation and emphasized the need for recovering misappropriated funds and holding those accountable.The NDC also highlighted Okowa’s alleged redirection of N40 billion meant for investment in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, viewing it as a violation of public trust. They pointed to Delta State’s struggles, including unpaid wages, pension arrears, and increased debt, as evidence of the former governor’s financial mismanagement.The coalition further called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who succeeded Okowa, to cooperate with federal authorities in the investigation and implement safeguards against future financial misconduct. They noted that despite receiving an additional N239.6 billion in derivation funds between June 2023 and July 2024, Delta State has seen little progress. The NDC urged Oborevwori to take a proactive approach to address past misdeeds and promote transparency in governance. READ ALSO: Trump Vows to Overturn Biden’s Gender Policies: ‘On Day One, Only TwoGenders Will Be Recognized
