Obasanjo advocates leadership accountability in anti-corruption fight
By Uzair Adam
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption in Nigeria must begin with accountability at the highest levels of leadership to inspire public confidence and ensure effective governance.
Speaking during a virtual interactive session tagged “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday, hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo asserted that leadership plays a pivotal role in combating corruption, which he described as deeply entrenched in Nigerian society.
“The best way to fight corruption is by starting from the head. Leadership must set the example for transparency and integrity to achieve meaningful progress in this battle,” he stated.
Several private radio stations in Abeokuta broadcast the session, which focused on Obasanjo’s legacies and views on contemporary Nigeria.
Highlighting the complex nature of corruption, Obasanjo likened it to a “babbar riga,” saying, “If you fold it on one side, it falls apart on the other side.
It is not a one-day affair, nor is it limited to one regime. It must be a consistent and daily effort. Once any regime lets its guard down, corruption spreads.”
The former president called for reforms in the recruitment and appointment of leaders, advocating for merit-based selections over political or tribal considerations.
On leadership, he argued that only leaders ordained by God are likely to succeed, warning against self-made leaders or those installed through corrupt or malevolent means.
“We must acknowledge that while some leaders are prepared by God, others may be made by Satan. The power of Satan is real, and it must not be underestimated,” he remarked.
Obasanjo concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to holding leaders accountable, stressing that corruption can only be curtailed with sustained effort and collective responsibility.