Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the importance of accountability at the highest levels of leadership as a foundation for effectively tackling corruption in Nigeria.
Speaking during a Zoom session titled “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday night, Obasanjo emphasized that a commitment to transparency and integrity at the top would set a powerful example for others in government and society.
Describing corruption as a deeply entrenched societal issue, Obasanjo likened it to a hydra-headed problem that requires consistent and relentless efforts to combat. “The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head,” he said, underlining that the fight must be continuous, spanning multiple administrations.
Obasanjo also called for reforms in the political system, urging that leadership appointments be based on merit rather than political or ethnic considerations. Reflecting on his own experiences in government, he asserted that true leadership is ordained by God and that leaders not chosen through divine guidance are more likely to fail. He cautioned against underestimating the influence of negative forces, likening them to the Satanic influence in biblical stories.
