Politician and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has stressed the importance of holding Nigerian leaders accountable for corruption, calling for tough sanctions for those found guilty of corrupt practices.
In a statement marking Monday’s International Anti-Corruption Day, Obi condemned the pervasive corruption that has plagued Nigeria for years, arguing that it has severely hindered the nation’s development.
He highlighted the extent of corruption across various levels of government, from mismanagement of funds to budget padding and abuse of public office for personal gain. Obi also pointed to the nation’s mounting debt crisis, which he attributed to the government’s insatiable borrowing habit and the lack of accountability for previous loans.
“The global community marks a significant day today International Anti-Corruption Day which holds a crucial lesson for Nigeria. Over the years, our country has been burdened by corruption at all levels of government, leaving us economically and socially crippled,” Obi said in his statement.
Referring to a report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Obi emphasized that corruption is at the root of Nigeria’s economic struggles, including its high debt profile. He expressed his support for the findings of the ICPC, which indicated that corruption has brought Nigeria to its knees.
Obi further criticized the findings of the Auditor General of the Federation, who recently uncovered financial irregularities amounting to N3.403 trillion in government ministries, departments, and agencies for the 2021 fiscal year. He noted that this amount was greater than 20% of Nigeria’s national budget for that year and further highlighted the lack of transparency in public financial management.
“The mismanagement of public funds, the corruption of our leaders, and the irresponsible borrowing by the government have only worsened Nigeria’s economic situation. We see no visible investment or positive outcomes from these loans, and this raises suspicions about their proper utilization,” Obi added.
The former governor called for stronger actions from anti-corruption agencies, urging them to focus on high-level corruption cases such as oil theft, budget padding, bribery, and the abuse of public office for personal gain. He stressed that those found guilty of such practices should face stern legal consequences.
Obi also urged Nigerian leaders to undergo a moral and ethical introspection, to rid themselves of corrupt practices, and to work toward a more transparent and accountable government. He called on Nigerian citizens to actively resist corruption, stressing that combating this issue is a collective responsibility for both leaders and the public.
“I remain committed to the fight against corruption in our country,” Obi said. “Where leaders are not corrupt, corruption can be reduced by over 60%, and addressing the remaining issues becomes much more manageable.”
Obi concluded by reaffirming his dedication to promoting integrity in leadership, saying that only through transparent governance can Nigeria hope to secure its future and overcome the challenges of economic mismanagement and corruption.
