Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that Nigeria’s fight against corruption can only succeed if it begins with accountability at the top levels of government.
He stated that targeting corruption among high-ranking officials would serve as a model for the rest of society and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
Obasanjo shared these thoughts during a virtual session on Sunday night titled “Boiling Point Arena,” which was broadcasted by private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The discussion centered around Obasanjo’s achievements during his tenure and his evaluation of the current state of Nigeria.
Describing corruption as a deeply entrenched issue within Nigerian society, Obasanjo stressed the need for the fight against corruption to begin with leadership in order to be effective.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head, that is where corruption has to be fought from,” he remarked.
He further explained that the battle against corruption is a long-term endeavor, one that requires consistent effort.
“Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep. I think it was the Sultan of Sokoto, the father of the present Sultan, who said corruption is like a ‘babariga’; 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. And that’s corruption,” he stated.
Obasanjo also noted that combating corruption is not a short-term task, stressing that it requires a sustained approach, saying, “It’s 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. It has to be continual. It has to be a daily affair. Once one regime is let off, it spreads.”
Additionally, he called for reforms in the selection of public leaders, advocating for appointments based on merit rather than political or ethnic considerations.
On the topic of leadership, Obasanjo asserted that true leaders are chosen by God, and only such leaders are likely to succeed.
He cautioned against self-made leaders or those who rise to power through wrongful means. “So I will say most leaders are prepared by God and they put in place by God and when that happens the chances of success are higher than when you make yourself a leader which may not be the act of God.”
Obasanjo also discussed the influence of dark forces in leadership, asserting that while many leaders are divinely appointed, others may be manipulated by Satan.
“And again people saying all leaders are made by God, I don’t accept that. A leader can also be made by Satan. In the case of Job, you can remember Satan was going up and down and went before God and God was commending Job but Satan said Job was upright to God because he has gotten from God,” he said.
He admonished about the real power of Satan, warning that his influence should not be underestimated.
“We must accept that Satan is real and he has power, he has no salvation but he has power and the power of Satan must not be underrated,” Obasanjo cautioned.
