USA Africa Dialogue Series - Nigeria: Obasanjo Blames Foreigners for Corruption in Nigeria

Nigeria: Obasanjo Blames Foreigners for Corruption in Nigeria

By Olaolu Oladipo With Agency Report, 28 June 2012

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed the rising scourge of corruption in the country to the activities of foreign multi-nationals and individuals whom he accused of engaging in underhand activities to make huge profits from the country.

Obasanjo who was recently in the United Kingdom to promote investment in Nigeria made this assertion when he spoke to The Guardian of London in an exclusive interview and also carpeted the ruling class in the country as too corrupt.

This is coming just as the former leader is said to have found a new pastime as an "adviser" to a private equity firm, New World Capital, an organisation set up to raise money internationally to invest in Africa.

The paper said his schedule of duties includes being a roving ambassador for the organisation and to facilitate its inroad into Nigeria business environment as well as to the rest of the continent, a role he sees as a public duty.

LEADERSHIP had in July 2011 reported that the former military general was on his way out as the chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party's Board of Trustees, a decision he finally took in April citing the need to concentrate on his global commitments.

His resignation letter was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as is required by the party's constitution.

"I have formally sent in my letter of resignation as the Chairman of BOT of PDP to the National Chairman of the party as prescribed in the party's constitution. I have formally requested the President to allow my bowing out and to issue a short statement to that effect.

"By relieving myself of the responsibility for chairmanship of BOT of PDP, I will have a bit more time to devote to the international demand on me," he had written in the letter.

But in his usual characteristic manner, Obasanjo told his interviewer that rather than describe Nigerian leaders as lacking accountability, they should be seen as corrupt. "You are being euphemistic when you say lack of accountability. Call it corruption," he said.