Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that the fight against corruption can only be successful if it begins with accountability among top government officials.
Speaking during an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena”, hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo stressed that tackling corruption at the leadership level sets a critical example for the entire nation.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,”, stressing that leadership must lead by example to show genuine commitment to transparency and integrity.00 / 0:00
Obasanjo described corruption as “hydra-headed,” and that it has deeply eaten into the fabric of the Nigerian society and requires enough effort to conquer. Using an analogy attributed to a former Sultan of Sokoto, Obasanjo likened corruption to a “babariga” (a flowing traditional attire): “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.”
He stressed that fighting corruption is not a one-off effort but a continuous and daily endeavor, requiring sustained commitment across successive 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.”
The former President also called for a reform in the recruitment and appointment of leaders into public offices, advocating for merit-based political appointments rather than those rooted in political affiliations or tribal considerations. He insisted that only leaders chosen for their competence and integrity can effectively serve the nation.
Speaking on the source of leadership, Obasanjo argued that not all leaders are made by God, as some are products of personal ambition or even malevolent forces.
