As the global community marks International Anti-Corruption Day, former Anambra State Governor and presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has issued a strong condemnation of the pervasive corruption undermining Nigeria’s development. Obi described corruption as the “bane of our national development” and urged both leaders and citizens to take decisive action against it.
In a statement released to the media, Obi referenced recent findings by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which highlighted how corruption has crippled Nigeria economically and socially. He also cited the nation’s low ranking of 145 out of 180 on the Corruption Perception Index and its classification among the 11 worst-governed African countries over the past decade.
“From lack of transparency in budgeting and allocation of funds to the misappropriation of public resources, corruption manifests in various ways across different levels of government,” Obi said. He noted specific issues such as budget padding, contract inflation, oil theft, and bribery, which he described as persistent problems clogging the wheels of national progress.
Obi drew attention to a recent report from the Auditor-General of the Federation, which uncovered financial infractions totaling N3.403 trillion in government ministries, departments, and agencies for the 2021 fiscal year. “This amount, bigger than 20% of our national budget for that year, remains unaccounted for, a clear indication of systemic corruption,” he stated.
He further criticized the government’s increasing appetite for loans, which he claimed lack corresponding investments or economic impact, fueling suspicions of misappropriation.
Calling on anti-corruption agencies to intensify their efforts, Obi urged them to prioritize high-profile cases of national interest, such as oil theft and bribery for political appointments. He also stressed the importance of holding guilty parties accountable through “stern justice.”
Obi appealed to leaders to reflect on their roles and eschew corrupt practices, while encouraging citizens to resist corruption in their daily lives. “In any organization or nation where the leaders are not corrupt, corruption is reduced by over 60%, and fighting the remaining becomes manageable,” he emphasized.
Reiterating his commitment to a corruption-free Nigeria, Obi concluded with his trademark slogan, “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
