In an exclusive interview on Tuesday with the UK guardian, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo said fighting corruption in Nigeria is not a one night affair.
In his usual manner, when the journalist who interviewed him was trying to down play the issue of corruption among Nigeria leaders, the former president told him to hit the nail on the head and call a spade by its name. “You are being euphemistic when you say lack of accountability. Call it corruption,” he said.
“There is no part of the world where corruption is absolutely eliminated. But [in other countries] corruption has not been a way of life. When you are found, you are dealt with. And that’s what we need,” he added
Chief Obasanjo who was in the UK to promote investment in Nigeria disclosed that “Fighting corruption is not a one-night affair.”
“The givers of most of the corruption in Africa are from outside Africa,” he said. “They do in Africa, they would not do in their own countries. In my part of the world, we have a saying that the man who carries a pot of palm oil from the ceiling is not the only thief. He has an accomplice in the man who helps him to bring it down. The giver and the taker are criminals, and they should be treated as such.”
Former President Obasanjo is now working as a roving ambassador, facilitating companies’ entry into the country and the rest of Africa. He said he believes that positive examples of business success will encourage avaricious minds to look for more legitimate routes to wealth.
“I still believe in the opportunities that Africa affords to make legitimate money. Africa is one place I believe that if you are courageous enough, you get the money, you can invest and get 25% return on your investment annually. There aren’t many places in the world where you can get that return,” he said
Chief Obasanjo who was in the UK to promote investment in Nigeria disclosed that “Fighting corruption is not a one-night affair.”
“The givers of most of the corruption in Africa are from outside Africa,” he said. “They do in Africa, they would not do in their own countries. In my part of the world, we have a saying that the man who carries a pot of palm oil from the ceiling is not the only thief. He has an accomplice in the man who helps him to bring it down. The giver and the taker are criminals, and they should be treated as such.”
Former President Obasanjo is now working as a roving ambassador, facilitating companies’ entry into the country and the rest of Africa. He said he believes that positive examples of business success will encourage avaricious minds to look for more legitimate routes to wealth.
“I still believe in the opportunities that Africa affords to make legitimate money. Africa is one place I believe that if you are courageous enough, you get the money, you can invest and get 25% return on your investment annually. There aren’t many places in the world where you can get that return,” he said
I really wish Baba Iyabo is still in government, all this corruption especially with the Pension Fund would not have taken place. WALE
ReplyDeleteWe miss dis rugged baba,edey pain meooo!
ReplyDeleteOBJ is on point this time around. We hope GEJ can maintain his current tempo and flush out all the corrupt officials spoiling his government...
ReplyDeleteNA NOW UNA DEY VALUE BABA KO?
DeleteNo matter what anybody might say, Baba is better than anything in this country n those calling for his arrest should shut their gutter cos our eyes dey see well well.
ReplyDeleteLook at pot calling kettle black, wasn't him among those that pave the way for coruption in nigeria when he was in office? Abi e won say he self no steal,? Na d person wey dem catch na him go gree say he b thief!
ReplyDeletewalahi,Baba OBJ has spoken well this time.....Now EFCC,SSS and other security outfits have right to prosecute the giver in mr integrity's bribe scandal wahala.
ReplyDeleteLook at pot calling kettle black, wasn't him among those that pave the way for coruption in nigeria when he was in office? Abi e won say he self no steal,? Na d person wey dem catch na him go gree say he b thief!
ReplyDeleteWith this baba's words,am sure that he is not on the side of Otedola unless if only he is playing politics with his words.
ReplyDeleteBABA DON REPENT, HIM NO DEY SUPPORT BAD THING AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteGOOD MY BROTHER, BABA NO GO TAKE NONSENCE REMEMBER HIS AN OLD SOLDIER,
DeleteLol!!!
DeleteStupid man!!!All of una all d same thief...msheeew
ReplyDeleteBut why would anybody be abroad under the prevailing circumstances of Boko Haram rampage, lack of security of human beings and property in Nigeria be looking for investments in Nigeria?
ReplyDeleteThe investors know they can't bring their money to Nigeria at this time so let's fix d country first b4 asking anyone to come. The ppl in d country are running away and u r begging Oyinbo to come? For where??
on Boko Aram let the CAN president in Nigeria pastor Ayo Orisajeso should declare at least 7days fasting and prayer to all christians as to puth stop to this killing in the country
ReplyDeleteyour words are angel's words.You spoke well and let it be done as u wishes in Jesus name,Amen
DeleteIs GEJ not following OBJ's footsteps? Remember OBJ, did the same thing to Rt. Honourable Ndudi Elumelu. during the #16billion (IPP) probe. It is case of like father like son.
ReplyDelete