Former presidential candidate in 2023,Mr Peter Obi, has expressed his dismay at the country’s 150th position out of 180 nations on the 2022 Corruption Perception Index, as reported by Transparency International.
In a statement released on his X platform last Sunday, Obi who was former Anambra State Governor, underscored the severity of the issue, citing a report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwC).
According to PwC, corruption could potentially siphon off up to 37% of Nigeria’s GDP by 2030 unless immediate measures are taken.
Obi highlighted the multifaceted impact of corruption on the nation, lamenting its threat to Nigeria’s existence, democracy, peace, and progress.
Obi called for a collective introspection on the corrosive effects of corruption, stating, “Corruption has become the greatest threat to our national existence, especially our democracy, peace, and progress. It has immeasurably stunted our development as a nation.”
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s persistent reputation for corruption across all three arms of government, Obi urged comprehensive efforts to combat corruption at all levels of governance and in public spaces.
He emphasized the need for leaders to exhibit behavior befitting their positions and suggested deploying all available means to strengthen the fight against corruption.
Drawing attention to a separate report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Obi attributed issues such as inequality, injustice, and national instability to corruption in Nigeria.
He warned that the negative global perception of the country was exacerbating the economic crisis, driving away foreign investors, causing local businesses to shut down, and leading to a surge in unemployment and poverty.
Obi also voiced concern about the impact of corruption on the youth, referencing a statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, who lamented the significant involvement of Nigerian youths in cybercrime.
Obi questioned where the younger generation was learning such criminal behavior, pointing fingers at parents and leaders.
Pledging his commitment to a corruption-free Nigeria or at least minimizing corruption, the former governor outlined his vision for a nation that prioritizes entrepreneurship, professionalism, hard work, peace, and integrity.
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