Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for the fight against corruption to start with accountability at the highest levels of government, emphasizing that effective leadership is key to tackling the deep-rooted issue.
Obasanjo made the assertion during a virtual interactive session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The discussion focused on his achievements in office and his perspective on the challenges facing Nigeria.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo stated. He highlighted the need for leaders to lead by example, demonstrating transparency and integrity to set a standard for the rest of the nation.
Describing corruption as “hydra-headed,” the former president likened the challenge to managing a “babariga” (flowing traditional attire). Using a vivid analogy, he said, “If you are folding it on one side, it’s falling apart on the other side. 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 stressed that fighting corruption requires relentless effort over multiple administrations. “Corruption 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, continual, and a daily affair. Once one regime lets off, corruption spreads,” he warned.
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The former leader also advocated for a reform in the selection of public officials, urging the adoption of merit-based recruitment rather than appointments based on political or tribal affiliations. He argued that leaders chosen for their competence and integrity are better equipped to serve the nation effectively.
Speaking on leadership, Obasanjo noted that not all leaders are divinely ordained. “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, which may not be the act of God. However, we must also accept that Satan is real and has power. A leader can be made by Satan. In the case of Job, Satan went before God to challenge his righteousness. Satan has no salvation, but his power must not be underestimated.”
Obasanjo’s remarks underscored the need for Nigeria to adopt a consistent and holistic approach to combating corruption, starting from the highest levels of leadership. He urged leaders to prioritize accountability, meritocracy, and transparency to build a governance system that serves the public good.
The former president concluded by asserting that sustainable development and national integrity depend on continuous action, ethical leadership, and accountability rooted in divine purpose.
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