Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the
unsuccessful prosecution of high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria.
Obasanjo made this while delivering the inauguration lecture
of the Olusegun Obasanjo Good Governance and Development Research Centre,
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
He spoke on the topic, “Leadership, Governance and the
Challenges of Development in Nigeria: The Way Forward.’’
The former president regretted that in spite efforts by
successive governments, corruption still posed a daunting challenge to the
progress and development of Nigeria.
He said, “The lack of successful prosecution of high-profile
corruption cases involving Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) is giving serious
course for concern, both for Nigerians and the international community.
“We must take away the proceeds of illicit enrichment and
remove negative role models in our society.
“I know that each arm of government has its responsibility
and we must respect the separation of powers under our constitution.
“At the same time, we must have an acute and common
perception of our problem and do all that is necessary to mitigate the impact
of corruption in our society.’’
The former president said that the aim of fighting
corruption was to correct certain wrong doings.
“The aim of fighting corruption is most importantly, to
remedy the dark sides of bad governance, such as poverty, unemployment, hunger
and disease; as well as improving the well-being of the citizens.
“Hence, we must pay equal attention to the economy which is
the bedrock of all-round development.
“The beginning of getting leadership right is to make the
electoral system transparent and credible to ensure that only the choices of
the people are actually elected into electable political offices.
“People with integrity, vision, wisdom and purpose should be
elected, not those who try to buy their way into leadership position,’’ he
said.
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