Nigeria’s problem is institutional corruption, not Tinubu — Femi Kuti

Nigeria's problem is institutional corruption, not Tinubu, Femi Kuti Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti has publicly stated that President Bola Tinubu is not the primary issue facing Nigeria, instead pointing to deep-rooted institutional corruption as the root cause of the nation's ongoing struggles. In a recent appearance on the Good News Naija podcast, Kuti emphasized that the judiciary and other key institutions tasked with enforcing accountability must share responsibility for the rise of leaders implicated in corruption. Kuti argued that if the allegations against Tinubu are accurate, a functioning judicial system composed of individuals of integrity should have prevented him from running for office. He questioned whether the current legal framework allows such figures to ascend to power unchecked. “Do you think Tinubu is a problem? The judiciary that didn’t stop him from getting there in the first place is a problem,” he said during the interview, which quickly gained traction online. The musician highlighted that corruption is pervasive within Nigeria’s political and leadership structures, noting that many elites belong to overlapping networks despite their political affiliations. Kuti pointed to the anti-corruption efforts initiated under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, including the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He recalled that one of the first targets of the commission was the president’s daughter, underscoring the initial determination to hold powerful figures accountable. However, Kuti noted that these efforts faced resistance. He mentioned that the EFCC’s founding chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, was eventually removed from his position, either due to pressure or personal safety concerns. “They were after his life,” Kuti said, suggesting that the fight against corruption was met with obstruction rather than support. Kuti further drew a direct link between past officials and current government personnel, stating that some of the same individuals who once worked under Ribadu are now part of Tinubu’s administration. “This same Ribadu is now Tinubu’s security personnel. So you see, it’s the same people. They go to the same parties. They go to the same weddings. They hug themselves. They do everything together,” he said, highlighting the continuity of corrupt practices across different administrations. He warned that this pattern could erode the trust of younger generations in Nigeria’s institutions and diminish their faith in the country’s future. “A young boy of 15 that has this history, or 20, when you see what is going on, where is your belief in the system? Where is your belief that you have a future in this country?” Kuti posed, emphasizing the long-term consequences of systemic failure. Kuti concluded that resolving Nigeria’s issues requires reinforcing institutional integrity and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable. His comments reflect a broader critique of the nation’s governance structure and the persistent challenges of maintaining transparency and justice in public life.