Peter Obi Calls for Transparency in Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption War

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stressed that Nigeria’s fight against corruption can only succeed if it is transparent and applied equally to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

Reacting to the arrest and interrogation of former Sokoto State Governor, Rt Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Obi said the development exposes a contradiction in the current administration’s approach to tackling graft.

“The fight against corruption in our country must be transparent to succeed.

The arrest and interrogation of the former Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has opened up an existing contradiction apparent in the fight against corruption in the country.”

Obi reiterated that integrity and sincerity on the part of leaders are key to defeating corruption.

“I have always reiterated that the sincerity of leaders is what is needed to tackle corruption in our society.

And I look forward to the time when the anti-corruption fight in this country will be under one law that applies to all, no matter who is involved, and not one targeting political opponents and perceived enemies of the incumbent government.”

He urged anti-graft agencies to operate within the confines of the law and ensure that their actions are based on facts rather than political considerations.

“I expect the anti-graft operatives to be guided by their conscience and the rule of law if they hope to achieve much in wiping out corruption in our society.

The rules of evidence and fact must replace impressions and preconceptions. In a credible fight against corruption, the public must be convinced that the rules are even and the subjects are not arbitrarily selected by the political convenience of the powers that be.”

Obi concluded by emphasising that transparency is the only way Nigeria can achieve lasting progress in the fight against corruption.

“A corruption free Nigeria is possible only if our fight is transparent.”