Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for the fight against corruption in Nigeria to start at the top, emphasizing the need for accountability among leaders. Speaking during a Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena,” hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo stressed that leadership must set the tone for transparency and integrity to inspire change across the nation.
Tackling Corruption from the Top
Obasanjo pointed out that corruption in Nigeria has become deeply entrenched, likening it to a “hydra-headed monster” that requires consistent and deliberate efforts to tackle. He emphasized the importance of fighting corruption at the leadership level as the first step toward lasting reforms.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head; that is where corruption has to be fought from,” he said, adding that leaders must lead by example to demonstrate true commitment to eradicating the menace.
The “Babariga” Analogy
To illustrate the pervasive nature of corruption, Obasanjo used an analogy attributed to a former Sultan of Sokoto, likening corruption to a flowing traditional attire known as “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. That’s corruption.”
This analogy highlights the complexity and persistence of corruption, requiring leaders to maintain constant vigilance and effort to address it effectively.
A Continuous Battle
Obasanjo stressed that fighting corruption is not a one-time effort or limited to a single administration.
“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 called for successive governments to adopt a unified and sustained approach to combating corruption, ensuring it becomes a core national value.
Merit-Based Leadership
The former president also highlighted the need to reform how leaders are recruited and appointed to public office. Obasanjo advocated for merit-based appointments over political or tribal considerations. He argued that only competent and credible leaders could effectively serve the nation and drive progress.
“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.”
This perspective underscores the need for Nigerians to carefully scrutinize leaders’ integrity, competence, and intentions before entrusting them with power.
Path to National Integrity
Obasanjo concluded by emphasizing that national integrity and sustainable development are only achievable through transparency, accountability, and leadership rooted in divine purpose. He urged leaders at all levels to prioritize the public good over personal gain and consistently uphold the values of integrity and meritocracy.
His message serves as a reminder that the fight against corruption must begin at the top, with leaders setting a strong example to inspire change across all levels of governance.
