Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that Nigeria’s war against corruption must begin with top government officials, as reported by PUNCH.
He stated that tackling corruption at the highest levels of leadership would inspire confidence and set an example for the rest of society.
Speaking during a virtual event on Sunday titled “Boiling Point Arena,” Obasanjo highlighted the deep-rooted nature of corruption in Nigeria.
The interactive session, broadcast by some radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, also reflected on his legacies in government and his view of the current state of the country.
Obasanjo described corruption as a “hydra-headed monster” that has deeply penetrated Nigerian society and argued that addressing corruption at the top is the most effective way to tackle it.
Obasanjo also called for a change in how leaders are selected for public offices and urged the government to prioritize merit over political or tribal considerations when making appointments, this, he said, would ensure that competent individuals lead the nation and promote transparency.
“The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head, that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo said.