On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, delivered a powerful statement addressing the endemic corruption that has plagued Nigeria for decades. In his bold remarks, Obi emphasized the urgent need for decisive action against corrupt practices, which he identified as the root cause of Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
Obi expressed grave concern over the pervasive nature of corruption, which he described as infiltrating all levels and arms of government. He cited staggering examples of economic mismanagement, including N3.4 trillion in unaccounted funds uncovered by the Auditor-General for the financial year ending December 2021—a sum equivalent to over 20% of the national budget for that year.
He noted, “Corruption has brought Nigeria to its knees economically and socially. From budget padding and misappropriation of funds to bribery and contract inflation, these practices have stalled our national development.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s precarious financial situation, Obi pointed to the country’s mounting debt profile. He criticized the government’s “insatiable hunger” for loans, which are rarely accompanied by visible infrastructure or economic improvements. Instead, these funds appear to vanish without accountability, leaving future generations burdened with the consequences.
“The loans we keep piling up show no positive impact on our economy. This pattern reflects gross mismanagement and misappropriation,” Obi lamented.
In his message, Obi challenged Nigerian leaders to search their consciences and commit to purging themselves of corrupt practices. He called for greater transparency, responsible governance, and stricter measures to hold corrupt individuals accountable.
“Those found guilty of corruption must face stern justice,” he stated firmly. “Our anti-graft agencies must prioritize oil theft, bribery, misappropriation, and political favoritism to rebuild public trust and foster national development.”
Obi reiterated his long-held belief that the fight against corruption begins at the top. He claimed that when leaders set a standard of integrity, corruption is reduced by more than 60%. This, in turn, makes combating the remaining cases manageable.
“In any nation where leaders are not corrupt, the ripple effect is clear—integrity cascades through every level of governance,” he emphasized.
Beyond government officials, Obi urged Nigerian citizens to play an active role in rejecting corruption in all its forms. “As followers, we must stand firm against corruption. It is a collective fight for the soul of our nation,” he said.
Obi’s speech is a rallying cry for systemic reform in Nigeria. He underlined the importance of strong anti-graft agencies, greater transparency in public finance, and a cultural shift that prioritizes ethical governance over self-serving practices.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its challenges, Peter Obi’s message resonates as a call to action for leaders and citizens alike. The path to national development, he argues, lies in eradicating corruption and fostering accountability at every level.
