Corrupt Politicians Cannot Deliver Just Governance – Obasanjo

… Calls for Accountability, Integrity In Leadership

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the imprisonment of corrupt politicians, emphasizing that “thieves cannot provide just governance.”

Speaking virtually at the Denis Joseph Slattery memorial lecture in Lagos recently, the 87-year-old statesman stressed that accountability is a key requirement for anyone in governance.

In his address titled: The Imperative for Moral Rectitude in Governance, Obasanjo underscored the importance of moral integrity in government.

He argued that officials with questionable ethics are incapable of making fair decisions for the common good, stating that some current politicians, both in the executive and legislative branches, deserve to be “permanently behind bars” due to their past misconduct.

“You cannot expect thieves to give good judgment in favour of the owner of the property,” Obasanjo said, highlighting the danger of allowing corrupt individuals to govern.

Recalling his early experiences in politics, Obasanjo shared his shock at the level of corruption and criminal behavior normalized within the system.

He described a situation where, after confronting an official for lying, the individual casually dismissed the issue as “just politics.”

According to Obasanjo, this mindset has allowed immorality and dishonesty to flourish in Nigerian politics.

He called for a shift toward transformational leadership that prioritizes truth, integrity, and inclusion over transactional, corrupt practices.

Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria requires leaders who embody transformational qualities, such as honesty, integrity, and hope.

He advocated for leaders who focus on production and inclusion rather than deceit, marginalization, and corruption.

The lecture, held in honour of Denis Joseph Slattery, was organized by the Old Boys’ Association of St. Finbarr’s College.

Slattery, an Irish missionary who arrived in Nigeria in 1941, was a pioneer in both education and sports development in the country.

He was also the founding chairman of the Nigerian Football Association and a key figure in establishing the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Slattery was awarded the Order of the Niger (OON) by Obasanjo in 2001.

Notable figures, including former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, ex-footballer Segun Odegbami, music producer ID Cabasa, and actor Patrick Doyle, attended the memorial event.