Buhari Warns: Looting Must End or Youth Will See It as a Career

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement highlights concerns about corruption and its impact on future generations. By emphasizing the need to distinguish between those who work hard and those who exploit the system, he suggests that failure to do so could normalize looting as an acceptable way of life.

His remark reflects broader challenges in Nigeria, where corruption has been a persistent issue affecting governance, economic growth, and public trust. Over the years, many high-profile cases of embezzlement and financial mismanagement have surfaced, often involving public officials. Buhari, who served as president from 2015 to 2023, made the fight against corruption a central part of his administration’s agenda. However, critics argue that while some progress was made, corruption remains deeply entrenched in various sectors.

The concern he raises is particularly relevant for young Nigerians, who face economic hardship, high unemployment, and limited opportunities. If corrupt practices continue unchecked, there is a risk that young people may see dishonesty and looting as viable means to success, rather than through hard work and integrity. His statement serves as a call for societal change, urging leaders and citizens to uphold ethical values to prevent future generations from adopting corruption as a norm.

Buhari’s tenure was marked by efforts to recover stolen public funds and prosecute corrupt officials, but his administration also faced allegations of selective justice and inefficiencies. Despite these challenges, his comment underscores the broader need for a cultural shift in Nigeria, where accountability is prioritized, and ethical leadership is encouraged to shape a better future for the youth.