Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has emphasized that the war against corruption can only be won if it begins with accountability at the highest levels of government.
.jpeg)
Speaking during a virtual interactive session titled "Boiling Point Arena," hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo underscored the need for leaders to lead by example in demonstrating transparency and integrity.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo stated, arguing that leadership must set the standard for tackling corruption across the nation.
Describing corruption as “hydra-headed,” Obasanjo likened it to a traditional babariga garment that is impossible to handle all at once: “If you fold it on one side, it falls apart on the other. When you carry it on both sides, your hands cannot be free. That’s corruption.”
He stressed that fighting corruption requires relentless and continuous effort, noting that complacency in governance allows corruption to proliferate.
“Corruption is not a one-day affair. It’s not a one-regime affair. It has to be consistent, continual, and a daily affair. Once one regime lets off, corruption spreads,” he warned.
Obasanjo advocated for a merit-based approach to political appointments, emphasizing that leadership recruitment should prioritize competence and integrity over political or tribal affiliations.
He argued that only leaders with a proven track record of accountability can effectively steer the nation toward sustainable progress.
He also offered a spiritual perspective on leadership, cautioning that not all leaders are divinely chosen. “Some leaders are made by God, but others are the product of personal ambition—or even malevolent forces. Satan is real and has power,” he remarked, urging Nigerians to discern and support leaders with a clear divine or moral mandate.
Obasanjo concluded by urging Nigerians to adopt a consistent and holistic approach to combating corruption, emphasizing the importance of sustained action across successive administrations.
“Sustainable development and national integrity are only achievable through transparency, consistent action, and leadership anchored in accountability and divine purpose,” he said.
Obasanjo’s remarks have reignited discussions on the role of leadership in addressing systemic corruption, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to restore public trust in governance.