Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for greater accountability among top government officials as the cornerstone of any successful fight against corruption in the country. Speaking at an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday night, the elder statesman argued that the battle against corruption must begin at the highest levels of leadership to set a standard for transparency and integrity.
The session, hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, offered Obasanjo the opportunity to reflect on his tenure, share his thoughts on contemporary governance, and discuss pathways for national progress. The former president described corruption as a pervasive issue that has deeply infiltrated Nigerian society, likening it to a multi-headed hydra that requires relentless effort to defeat.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo asserted.
A Hydra-Headed Menace
Obasanjo emphasized that tackling corruption is not a task for one administration or a one-time effort. He urged for a sustained, long-term approach, warning against complacency between regimes.
“Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep. It’s 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 is let off, it spreads,” he explained.
Using an analogy, the former president compared corruption to a traditional flowing garment, babariga, noting that efforts to contain it on one side often lead to it unraveling on another. This, he said, underscores the complexity and persistence required in the anti-corruption fight.
A Shift in Leadership Recruitment
The conversation also touched on the issue of leadership recruitment and the need for merit-based appointments. Obasanjo criticized the current trend of political and tribal favoritism, calling for leaders who are chosen based on competence and character.
“We need leaders who are selected based on merit, not political or tribal considerations. Without this, the fight against corruption and poor governance will remain an uphill battle,” he said.
Obasanjo further explored the spiritual dimension of leadership, asserting that successful leaders are often divinely prepared and appointed. However, he cautioned against the belief that all leaders are chosen by God, arguing that some ascend to power through questionable means.
“Most leaders are prepared by God and put in place by Him. When that happens, the chances of success are higher. But a leader can also be made by Satan, and the power of Satan must not be underrated,” he added, referencing the biblical story of Job.
Call for Collective Responsibility
Obasanjo’s remarks highlight the urgent need for collective responsibility in tackling corruption. He argued that while leaders play a crucial role, the broader society must also commit to upholding ethical standards and accountability.
The interactive session, broadcast on several radio stations in Abeokuta, left listeners with a powerful call to action: for Nigeria to achieve sustainable progress, the fight against corruption must begin with its leaders and remain a consistent, daily effort.
Background and Legacy
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s president from 1999 to 2007, during which his administration launched several initiatives aimed at tackling corruption, including the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His legacy in governance continues to shape conversations around leadership, accountability, and national development.
