Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption must begin with top government officials leading by example.
Speaking during an interactive Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said leadership must set the tone for transparency and accountability.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” he declared, adding that integrity in leadership is critical for national progress.
Obasanjo described corruption as a persistent and pervasive issue that cannot be eradicated overnight.
Using a vivid analogy, he compared corruption to a “babariga,” a flowing traditional attire, which, when folded on one side, unravels on the other.
“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 explained.
He noted that combating corruption requires relentless effort and cannot be limited to one administration or political regime.
“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,” Obasanjo stated.
He warned that if any government relaxes its grip on corruption, the problem will grow uncontrollably.
The former president also addressed the need for a merit-based system in recruiting and appointing public office holders.
According to him, political appointments based on affiliations or tribal considerations undermine governance and promote mediocrity.
“We must appoint leaders based on competence and integrity, not political ties or ethnicity,” he asserted.
Obasanjo further argued that leadership must stem from divine purpose and not personal ambition or malevolent influences.
“Most leaders are prepared by God and put in place by Him. When that happens, the chances of success are higher,” he said.
However, he warned of the dangers posed by leaders driven by selfish ambition or even satanic forces.
“A leader can be made by Satan,” he cautioned, referencing the biblical story of Job to underline his point.
The session focused on Obasanjo’s achievements as president and his thoughts on Nigeria’s challenges.
He said that sustainable development and national integrity are achievable only through consistent leadership committed to accountability.
Obasanjo urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable and reject systems that enable corruption to thrive.
“Transparency, consistent action, and leadership rooted in divine purpose are the pillars of national progress,” he concluded.
His comments have reignited the national conversation about the need for integrity in public office.
