The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has decried the deep-seated corruption that has plagued Nigeria’s government, calling it a significant barrier to the nation’s development.
Obi made these remarks on Monday, coinciding with the International Anti-Corruption Day, a global observance aimed at promoting integrity and accountability.
Obi lamented the pervasive corruption at all levels and arms of government, emphasizing that it must be eradicated for Nigeria to achieve meaningful progress. “Today, the global community marks a very important day – International Anti-Corruption Day, which holds a critical lesson for us in Nigeria,” he said.
Citing a recent report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Obi agreed that corruption has crippled Nigeria both economically and socially. “From lack of transparency in budgeting and allocation of funds to mindless looting, budget padding, and contract inflation, corruption is, indeed, the bane of our national development,” he noted.
Nigeria’s corruption perception index ranking of 145 out of 180 countries further illustrates the severity of the problem. Additionally, the nation is among the 11 worst-governed countries in Africa over the past decade.
Obi highlighted a report from the Auditor General, revealing financial infractions totaling ₦3.403 trillion in government ministries, departments, and agencies as of December 2021. He described the sum as “an amount bigger than 20% of our national budget for the said year.”
He further criticized the government’s growing debt profile, fueled by excessive borrowing with little accountability for previous loans. “There are no visible investments or positive impacts on the economy from these loans, showing that they were likely misappropriated or consumed,” he stated.
Obi called on anti-graft agencies to intensify their fight against corruption, focusing on serious offenses such as oil theft, budget padding, and bribery. He urged that those guilty of such practices be brought to justice.
Marking International Anti-Corruption Day, Obi encouraged leaders to reflect on their actions and embrace integrity, while urging citizens to reject corrupt practices in their spheres of influence. “To us, the followers, we must stand against all forms of corruption in our capacities for our national interest,” he concluded.
