Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has emphasized that the fight against corruption in the country can only succeed if it starts with accountability at the highest levels of leadership.
Speaking during an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo highlighted the critical importance of leadership setting an example for the rest of the nation.
READ ALSO: Smoking almost destroyed me – Obasanjo
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo stated, stressing that those in power must lead by example to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency and integrity.
The session, which was aired by private radio stations in Abeokuta, centered around Obasanjo’s achievements in government and his assessment of Nigeria’s current state. He described corruption as “hydra-headed,” noting that it has deeply permeated Nigerian society and requires relentless effort to combat.
Using an analogy from a former Sultan of Sokoto, Obasanjo compared corruption to a traditional flowing attire called a “babariga.” “If you are folding it on one side, it’s falling apart on the other side. When you carry it on both sides, you cannot hold your hands up, and as soon as you put your hands down, it’s falling apart. That’s corruption,” he said.
Obasanjo emphasized that the fight against corruption is not a one-time effort but a continuous and ongoing battle. “Corruption is not a one-day affair. It’s not a one-regime affair. It’s not even a two-regime affair. It has to be consistent, continual, and a daily affair. Once one regime lets off, corruption spreads,” he added.
The former president also called for reforms in how leaders are selected for public office, advocating for merit-based political appointments rather than those based on political affiliations or tribal considerations. He insisted that only leaders chosen for their competence and integrity can effectively serve the nation.
On the topic of leadership, Obasanjo argued that not all leaders are divinely ordained. “Most leaders are prepared by God and put in place by Him. When that happens, the chances of success are higher than when someone makes themselves a leader, which may not be the act of God,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the influence of malevolent forces, stating, “Satan is real and has power. A leader can be made by Satan. In the case of Job, Satan went before God to challenge his righteousness.”
