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“Nigeria Still Drowning in Corruption” — Clerics Slam Tinubu Over Brazil Comment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration in Brazil that his reforms have “eliminated corruption in Nigeria” has triggered a wave of backlash at home, with religious leaders across the country insisting that his claim is far removed from reality.

While Tinubu told investors abroad that Nigeria’s system has been “cleaned up” to encourage foreign partnerships in technology, food security, and renewable energy, clerics argue that corruption still thrives across every sector of national life.

‘Nothing Has Changed’ — CAN

Rev. Joseph Opelema, Bayelsa CAN chairman, dismissed the president’s remark as hollow:

“Evidence of corruption abounds everywhere — from police extortion on highways, to manipulation in the judiciary and sham elections. Nigerians expected a genuine fight against corruption, but what we see instead is business as usual.”

‘A Political Statement, Not Reality’ — Islamic Leaders

Sheikh AbdulGaniy Bello of Ikorodu accused Tinubu of playing to the gallery:

“This is not about politics. Corruption is a cankerworm seen daily at airports, ministries, companies, and even homes. Investors themselves will encounter it immediately. Tackling corruption requires mindset change and stronger institutions, not slogans.”

MURIC’s Prof. Ishaq Akintola added:

“The justice system is failing. Someone steals ₦60 billion, returns ₦5 billion, and walks free. That is not reform. Corruption cuts across all sectors — from classrooms to workshops, markets to ministries.”

‘Corruption is Worse Under This Government’

Clerics from Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Rivers states all painted a grim picture:

Rev. Effiong John called Tinubu’s comment “wishful thinking”, citing corruption among his own appointees.

Bishop Paul Udu-Etim revealed that jobs in Cross River’s local government service were openly sold for ₦1m.

Prophet Etim Ekpe ridiculed the president’s claim, saying “budget padding in trillions” has become the new norm.

Pastor Obinna Mbadike accused the administration of “romancing with corruption” and lacking empathy for Nigerians.

Chief Chukwuemeka bluntly labeled Tinubu’s government “the most corrupt in Nigeria’s history.”

Some Defend Context

Not all voices were entirely critical. Rev. David Ugolor of ANEEJ noted that Tinubu’s statement may have been “aspirational,” aimed at wooing investors by highlighting reforms like subsidy removal, transparent FX allocation, and stronger anti-graft prosecutions.
But even he admitted: “We may not yet be able to declare the country free of corruption.”

Bottom Line

Across denominational lines, the clerics’ message was united: Nigeria remains deeply entangled in corruption, and Tinubu’s optimism in Brazil does not match the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna