By Dipo Olowookere
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been described as the “most corrupt” Nigerian on the record.
This was the view of the House of Representatives, which released a statement on Thursday in reaction to comments made by the ex-Nigerian leader, describing the National Assembly as a corruption striken entity.
Obasanjo made the remarks at the Akintola Williams Lecure held in Lagos on Wednesday.
He said the National Assembly was “a den of corruption” controlled by “a gang of unarmed robbers.”
But the House, reacting through its spokesman, said “it is unfortunate that he has started his very familiar method of bringing down governments,” House spokesperson, Abdulrazak Namdas, said in a statement Thursday.
“He did it to Alhaji Shehu Shagari. He did it to Gen. Buhari. He did same to Gen. Babangida. He attempted to bring down Gen. Abacha before he imprisoned him for treason.
“He made frantic efforts to derail the government of President Ya’ardua when he couldn’t use him. He supported President Goodluck Jonathan but when he refused to take dictation, he turned against him.
“He supported President Buhari, but since he has sensed that Nigeria is having economic difficulties under him, he has pounced to derail his government.”
The lawmakers further said Obasanjo “remains the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria and lacks the moral authority to discuss corruption or indeed abuse of office in Nigeria.”
“Have we forgotten the sacks of money displayed on the floor of the House of Representatives being bribe money paid by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to some honourable members to impeach Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba?” the House asked.
Adedapo Adesanya