Obasanjo: Anti-Corruption War Must Start with Accountability at the Top”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo calls for the anti-corruption fight to prioritize accountability among top leaders, emphasizing the need for transparency in governance.

A Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has stressed that the fight against corruption will be effective and successful only if it starts with accountability among top government officials.

The former president stated that addressing corruption among top leaders would serve as a model for others and show the government’s dedication to transparency and integrity.

He spoke on Sunday night during an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

The discussion broadcasted by several private radio stations in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, centered around Obasanjo’s governmental legacies and his evaluation of contemporary Nigeria.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo referred to corruption as a complex, multi-faceted issue that has deeply entrenched itself in Nigerian society. He stressed that the battle against corruption must begin with leadership for it to be effective.

“The most effective way to combat corruption is by addressing it at the top, as that is where change must begin,” he stated.

The former President also emphasized that combating corruption should be a continuous and daily effort to address it effectively from the outset.

“Corruption is like a hydra, with many heads and deeply rooted. I believe it was the father of the current Sultan of Sokoto who likened corruption to a ‘babariga.’ When you try to fold one side, it unravels on the other; if you hold both sides, your hands are too occupied for anything else — but as soon as they come down, everything falls apart again. That’s how corruption operates.”

“This isn’t about a single day or one regime, nor even two. It requires consistency and continuity; it must be an everyday commitment. If any regime is overlooked, the issue multiplies.”

He advocated for a reform in the process of recruiting and appointing leaders to public offices, emphasizing that political appointments should be based on merit rather than political affiliation or tribal connections.

Discussing leadership, he mentioned that leaders who achieve their position through personal ambition or malevolent means are likely to fail.

He emphasized that leadership is granted by God, and those chosen by Him will thrive.

Most leaders are appointed by God and placed in their roles through divine will. When this occurs, the likelihood of success is greater compared to those who assume leadership positions on their own, which may not align with God’s intentions.

People often say that all leaders are made by God, but I don’t agree. A leader can also be shaped by darker forces. Take the story of Job as an example: Satan was roaming around and presented himself before God at a time when God praised Job for his righteousness. However, Satan argued that Job’s integrity stemmed from what he received from God rather than true virtue.

We need to acknowledge that Satan exists and possesses power. While he offers no salvation, his influence should not be underestimated.