Fight corruption, Bush tells Nigeria

Former President of the United States, George Bush, on Thursday told the leadership of the country and its people to fight corruption, saying it had become the obvious challenge against its development.

Bush, who is in Lagos as a guest speaker at the Access Leadership Conference 2013, said corrupt people, no matter how highly paced, should face the wrath of the law.

The event, which was organised by Access Bank Plc with the theme, ‘Embracing Sustainable Leadership, attracted world leaders, including a former President of Ghana, Mr. John Kufuor.

Bush, who commended the country for its current democratic dispensation and sustenance, said the US encouraged governments that fight corruption by giving them aids to support their economies.

He noted that the criteria for receiving aids had been tied to countries that ensured that anti-corruption strategies were in place.

“You must apply the law, no matter how powerful somebody may be, as this encourages entrepreneurship and economic development,” he added.

While calling for improved trade relations among African countries, Bush said it was in the interest of the US to encourage economic growth in vital countries like Nigeria.

Bush said, “As President of a powerful and rich nation, I think it is important to set goals and also achieve them. It is important for us to encourage and stay engaged with other world economies.”

On his role in Iraq, Bush said he did not regret his decision to remove Saddam Hussein.

“There were no mistakes in removing Saddam Hussein.   I am sure that the Iraqis are better off without him,” he added.

On the economy, the former US president said the private sector was a key driver of world economies, noting that the US could not fix its balance sheet without the sector. He, however, said tax relief should be used to stimulate private sector.

Kufuor explained that leadership that would readily impact on the people must start with example.

Citing the example of the Ghanaian economy during his tenure, he said he adopted the style of living within means, maintaining fiscal discipline and empowering the private sector.

Kufuor said, “Ghanaian economy was near to nothing when I came in. But with resolve and commitment, coupled with knowledge in political strategy and economics, we were able to lead by example and urged our people to follow. We got huge debt relief as our creditors saw our resolve to do what is right.”

The Senior Advisor at Deloitte, Christopher Meyer, said leadership crisis was an issue of lack of authenticity and empathy.

He added that empathy as leadership trait could motivate leaders to change from broadcast policy to a two-way communication, which offers them first-hand perception of the people.