By Tosin Adesile
Godwin Agabi, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has decried what he described as the growing silence of individuals who should be speaking out against corruption in Nigeria.
Agabi made the remarks while delivering the convocation lecture at the 15th ceremony of the National Open University of Nigeria, where he spoke on the theme, “Nigeria Against Corruption.”
He argued that many voices once positioned to challenge corruption have become muted, warning that such silence poses a danger to national progress. According to him, the roots of corruption in Nigeria can be traced back to 1966, when the assassination of elected leaders and the advent of military rule created a precedent for power founded on violence.
“That foundation gave rise to a system where corruption gradually became a way of life,” he said.
Agabi further criticised the societal pursuit of material wealth at the expense of values, noting that history does not celebrate individuals for riches but for sacrifice and integrity. He cited global figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln as examples of leaders remembered for their principles rather than wealth.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s history of colonial and military rule, he said corruption has permeated nearly all aspects of national life, becoming deeply ingrained over time.
“We fight falsehood with falsehood. Why then are we surprised that it is falsehood that is prevailing? If we replace vice with vice, it is vice that will prevail,” he stated.
The former minister also identified patronage politics and weak law enforcement institutions as major drivers of corruption, calling for national unity and stronger legal frameworks to address the problem.
“Our silence is fast becoming our shame… treasures of wickedness profit nothing,” he added, urging Nigerians not to sacrifice integrity in the pursuit of wealth.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Udoma Oju Udoma, emphasised that the institution is committed not only to academic excellence but also to character development, stressing the need to produce graduates who are both competent and conscientious.
Dignitaries at the event included Kabiru Bala, who chaired the lecture, and Isa Yuguda, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of NOUN.
