
Public Office in Nigeria: A Path to Enrichment, Says Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the motivations of many Nigerians seeking public office, stating that their primary aim is to enrich themselves and their associates, often leaving the country in a worse state than they found it.
This observation aligns with longstanding concerns about corruption in Nigeria. Throughout its history, the nation has grappled with the misuse of public office for personal gain.
For instance, during Obasanjo’s own administration (1999–2007), several corruption scandals surfaced, including the infamous case involving his vice president, who was implicated in a bribery scandal with a U.S. congressman.
Additionally, the KBR and Siemens bribery scandals during his tenure led to international investigations and indictments, highlighting the pervasive nature of corruption at high levels.