By Chukwuma Umeorah
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a moral realignment in Nigeria’s leadership as a solution to the country’s persistent governance challenges.
Speaking at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Maiden Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Akintola Williams, Obasanjo emphasised that the lack of ethical leadership is at the core of Nigeria’s problems.
“I believe that we surely need a moral realignment. If you like, call it BA – Begin Again. God will surely show us the way,” Obasanjo stated, stressing that the country cannot progress with leaders who lack integrity and accountability.
Addressing the theme “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and the Way Forward,” the former president expressed deep concerns over the disconnect between Nigeria’s potential and the reality of its current leadership. He criticized the leadership for impunity, insensitivity, and a lack of consequences for misconduct.
Obasanjo argued that Nigeria’s issues are not due to the country’s complexity, but rather the absence of committed and ethical leaders. “Nigeria is not a difficult country to manage. We have to be honest with ourselves as Nigerians. What is the character of the people that you have as your leaders? Firstly, as leaders, you must understand the people that you serve, whether at the federal level or in sub-national entities.”
He also urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable, particularly in the management of public resources. Referring to his time in office, he highlighted the importance of accountability and financial prudence. “When I was there, I did everything I could for Nigeria. I took over with N3.7 billion in reserves, and we were spending about N3.5 billion on debt servicing. I decided we must get debt relief, and I went for it – and we got it. Not only that, from a debt of N36 billion, we reduced it to N3.6 billion and left with over N25 billion in excess crude (account) and over N45 billion in reserves. But all of that has been squandered by the leaders after me. Now, we are back to debt running in billions of dollars,” Obasanjo lamented, underscoring the consequences of poor leadership and fiscal mismanagement.
Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Oby Ezekwesili, echoed the call for honest leaders, praising Akintola Williams for his legacy of professionalism and integrity. She referenced Singapore’s development under Lee Kuan Yew, who ensured that his country’s leadership was driven by both competence and ethics.
Ezekwesili urged institutions like ICAN to take a more proactive role in shaping Nigeria’s future by holding those in power accountable. “I urge ICAN and similar institutions to be more vigilant in shaping Nigeria’s future, particularly by ensuring that those in leadership positions are held accountable,” she said.
In his address, the 60th President of ICAN, Davidson Alaribe, underscored the importance of the event, noting that it was vital to honour individuals who had rendered selfless service for the benefit of others and the nation’s growth. “As we celebrate his legacy, we are also embracing his vision and following the path he set for us,” Alaribe stated.
Seni Williams, the son of Akintola Williams, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon his father. “It is a great honour. The love from Nigerians has been overwhelming. The large gathering here today is a testament to the impactful life he led. I urge everyone to follow his example in their respective endeavours,” he said.
Distinguished figures at the event included the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, among others.
