Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has offered a possible explanation for why the corruption war fails in Nigeria. During an interactive Zoom session, he emphasized that accountability at the leadership level is key. Without this, the fight against corruption fails.
Obasanjo, speaking on the private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, made his thoughts clear. He stated that unless leaders set an example, the country’s efforts against corruption will be ineffective.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” he said. He stressed that leadership must lead by example. For Obasanjo, true transparency and integrity must start with the top.
He added that leadership accountability is vital for setting a strong national example. Without this, the leadership cannot effectively tackle corruption at lower levels, he suggested.
The former president described corruption as a “hydra-headed” issue that has deeply permeated Nigerian society. Obasanjo said it is a persistent challenge that requires constant effort to overcome. He likened corruption to a “babariga,” a flowing traditional attire.
“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,” Obasanjo explained.
He warned that no government can defeat corruption in a single attempt. He stressed that fighting corruption requires consistent and ongoing effort from successive governments. It is not a “one-regime affair,” Obasanjo added.
“Corruption war 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,” he said. This long-term approach suggests why the corruption war fails in Nigeria.
Leadership accountability: Why corruption war fails
Obasanjo further discussed the importance of merit-based leadership in Nigeria. He argued that appointments should be based on competence, not political affiliation or tribal considerations. Only leaders with integrity and capability can effectively fight corruption.
He called for reforms in leadership recruitment processes into public offices. Leadership should prioritize transparency, not political interests, Obasanjo insisted. He acknowledged the role of both divine and malevolent forces in leadership selection.
“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,” he said.
He warned that God does not chose all leaders. Some leaders aspire because of personal ambition or even negative influences, including malevolent forces. This lack of spiritual guidance can often lead to weak leadership, which impedes the war on corruption.
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