Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has suggested that some corrupt politicians should be jailed due to their misconduct. He believes that dishonest individuals cannot lead effectively.

The 87-year-old made this remark during a virtual speech at a memorial lecture for the late cleric, Denis Joseph Slattery, in Lagos.

In his talk, titled The Need for Moral Standards in Governance, Obasanjo stressed that anyone in leadership must be held accountable. He argued that those lacking integrity cannot make decisions for the greater good.

Obasanjo stated, “If you closely examine current government officials in both the executive and legislative branches, some deserve to be jailed for their past wrongdoings.” He added, “You cannot trust thieves to judge fairly in matters involving stolen goods.”

He also shared personal experiences with corruption, highlighting how dishonesty had become normal in politics. He was shocked by how corrupt election officials were and how such behavior was taken lightly. He recalled confronting a man who lied during a meeting, only for the man to dismiss it as “just politics.”

Obasanjo expressed disappointment in how politics has been used to excuse unethical actions, noting that many believe politics has no room for moral values or good character.

He concluded by encouraging Nigeria to seek leaders who prioritize transformation over personal gain and values like honesty, integrity, and inclusion over corruption and exclusion.