FORMER Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed that the fight against corruption can only be effective if it starts with accountability among top government officials.
He noted that addressing corruption at the highest levels of leadership will set a positive example for others and showcase the government’s dedication to transparency and integrity.
Obasanjo made these remarks during a Zoom interactive session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday night.
The discussion, which was broadcast by various private radio stations in the area, centered on Obasanjo’s legacies in government and his views on contemporary Nigeria.
He described corruption as a multifaceted issue deeply embedded in Nigerian society, emphasizing that the fight against it must begin with leadership to be successful. “The best way to combat corruption is to start at the top, where it must be addressed,” he stated.
The former president also argued that the effort to combat corruption should be ongoing and daily to effectively tackle the problem.
“Corruption is complex and pervasive. The late Sultan of Sokoto once likened it to a ‘babariga’—if you fold it on one side, it collapses on the other. You can’t hold it up forever; once you let go, it falls apart. That’s corruption.”
He reiterated that combating corruption is not a one-time effort or limited to a single administration; it requires consistent and continuous action. “If one administration is given a pass, corruption will spread.”
Obasanjo advocated for a reform in how leaders are recruited and appointed to public office, insisting that political appointments should be based on merit rather than political or tribal affiliations.
Regarding leadership, he stated that self-made leaders or those appointed by malevolent forces are destined to fail. He asserted that true leaders are chosen by God, and those divinely appointed are more likely to succeed.
“Most leaders are prepared and placed by God, which increases their chances of success compared to those who elevate themselves without divine endorsement. However, I don’t agree with the notion that all leaders are made by God; some can also be influenced by evil forces. In the biblical story of Job, Satan, who has power but no salvation, sought to challenge Job’s integrity before God.”
Obasanjo concluded by warning against underestimating the influence of evil in leadership.