Obasanjo: We must remove negative role models in our society

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says proceeds of illicit enrichment and negative role models must be taken away from the society.

Speaking during a lecture at the National Open University (NOUN) on Tuesday, Obasanjo expressed support for the fight against corruption but said attention should be paid to the economy because it “is the bedrock of all-round development”.elivering a lecture entitled ‘Leadership, governance and the challenges of development in Nigeria: The way forward’, Obasanjo said .

He said the unsuccessful prosecution of high-profile corruption cases is giving “serious course for concern”.

The former president said in the course of fighting against corruption, each arm of government should respect the separation of powers as provided for in the constitution.

“The lack of successful prosecution of high-profile corruption cases involving politically exposed persons (PEPs) is giving a serious course for concern, both for Nigerians and the international community,” he said.

“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 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.”