Tinubu’s ‘No Corruption in Nigeria’ Claim Sparks Backlash from Religious Leaders

President Tinubu’s assertion in Brazil that his administration has eliminated corruption draws sharp criticism from Christian and Muslim clerics across Nigeria, who say the country remains deeply corrupt.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent statement during an investment summit in Brazil—that his administration has “eliminated corruption” in Nigeria—has ignited a wave of criticism at home, especially among religious leaders who say the claim is disconnected from reality.

During his remarks to Brazilian investors, Tinubu cited reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies, improvements in foreign exchange allocation, and the cleanup of government processes as evidence of a corruption-free Nigeria. But in separate interviews with Saturday Vanguard, clerics from across the country rejected the claim, calling it misleading, political, and untrue.

Clerics Respond: “Corruption Still Thrives”

Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Bayelsa State, said the President’s comment does not reflect the lived reality of most Nigerians.

“Evidence of corruption abounds in all spheres of our national life,” he said. “From the police to the judiciary, and even in education, nothing has changed.”

He cited ongoing police extortion, judicial manipulation, and corruption in electoral processes as proof that corruption remains rampant.

Sheikh AbdulGaniy Bello of Ikorodu echoed similar views, calling Tinubu’s statement a political move aimed at courting foreign investors.

“Corruption is not a political issue—it’s social, economic, and cultural,” he said. “The cankerworm stares you in the face from the airport to government offices. Tackling it requires more than statements.”

Rev. Effiong John, a Pentecostal leader in Akwa Ibom, went further, saying:

“The zero corruption claim by Tinubu is itself a demonstration of corruption. He must stop making Nigeria look foolish.”

Clerics Cite Ongoing Scandals, Lack of Accountability

Rev. John Hayab, CAN Chairman for the 19 Northern states and FCT, pointed to increased federal allocations from subsidy savings, which have not translated into visible development:

“Corruption is still present, even among his appointees. It’s not about revenue—it’s about how the money is spent.”

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), highlighted systemic issues:

“The justice system is failing. Someone steals ₦60 billion, returns ₦5 billion, and walks free. Corruption exists in every sector—education, trades, even mechanics and tailors.”

“False, Embarrassing” — More Religious Leaders React

Rev. Olu Martins, a cleric and rights activist in Edo State, said:

“Can your file move in a civil service office without bribes? Can you get justice in the courts? Corruption is worse under this administration.”

Bishop Paul Udu-Etim from Calabar described the president as being “out of touch with reality,” citing ongoing corruption in civil service hiring where applicants reportedly pay up to ₦1 million to get jobs.

Prophet Etim Ekpe of the Ministry of Reconciliation and Restoration added:

“Tinubu’s speech is laughable. The National Assembly pads budgets. A viral video even showed an insider revealing massive corruption in parliament.”

Pastor Obinna Mbadike in Rivers described Tinubu’s Brazil remarks as:

“A sign of this government’s romance with corruption. It is irresponsible, deceitful, and wicked.”

Alternative Views: Some Call for Context

A few voices offered a more nuanced interpretation of the president’s statement.

Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), suggested Tinubu’s comments may have been aspirational rather than literal.

“He was selling Nigeria’s reform efforts to investors,” Ugolor said, referencing removal of the fuel subsidy and forex reforms. “While not perfect, they reflect progress.”

Chief Imam Rasaq Uthman of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society in Lagos similarly noted that the President was likely projecting optimism:

“There’s nothing wrong in a leader marketing his country, but the real corruption index must be disclosed to potential investors.”

“Most Corrupt Government Ever” — Chief Eze Chukwuemeka

Political commentator and All Progressives Congress (APC) critic Chief Eze Chukwuemeka called Tinubu’s administration “the most corrupt in Nigeria’s history” and said:

“His ministers are buying lands and building mansions. Nigerians are dying from hunger and suicide. His claim mocks the suffering masses.”

Apostle Felix Ogheneovo, from Delta State, concluded that:

“Corruption runs from top to bottom in this country—nothing has changed.”

Summary

Despite President Tinubu’s optimistic portrayal of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, religious leaders across Christian and Islamic denominations have rejected his claim, asserting that corruption remains widespread across sectors—from public offices to civil society. While some acknowledge improvements in reforms, most insist that corruption remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge, and tackling it will require more than rhetoric.