Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has been berated over his comment on spiraling corruption in the country. A former member of Nigeria’s highest legislative body, Senator Rowland Owie, has blamed the former leader for institutionalising corruption during his time as president.
Obasanjo had said, during a recent visit to the United States of America, said that endemic corruption among the citizenry, especially those holding public offices, had stunted the country’s growth.
Owie said that he was shocked to hear Obasanjo talking about corruption, “when his government was responsible for corruption in Nigeria”.
Owiez, who spoke with LEADERSHIP WEEKEND, said: “Nigerians should remember that the foundation for corruption was laid when the military regime of Murtala/Obasanjo sacked public servants, a majority of whom were dedicated to their fatherland.”
He recalled that because of this action public officers realised that their tenures were no longer permanent and it encouraged corrupt practices.
Owie also pointed out that the period from 1999 to 2007 when Obasanjo was the president witnessed monumental corruption in public service, including those he (Obasanjo) personally superintended.
He stated: “Between 1999 and 2007, Obasanjo finally institutionalized corruption. Has he told Nigerians the actual cost of the Abuja National Stadium? He privatized the Ajaokuta Steel, Delta Steel Aladja, NITEL, Itakpe Iron Ore and several others. Where are the proceeds? He ruined the privatized companies and sent thousands of Nigerians into the unemployment market.
“What of his 200 million shares in blind trust in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja? What of the $16.5 billion for the development of the power sector? Obasanjo should stop playing to the gallery.”
