By Blessing Fali
Elder statesman and octogenarian Eburajolo has said he chose to walk away from positions of power rather than compromise his integrity, insisting that personal principles should always take precedence over political ambition.
Reflecting on his years in public service, Eburajolo said he was presented with opportunities that could have advanced his political career but declined to pursue them because they conflicted with his values. He maintained that leadership should be rooted in honesty, accountability and service to the people.
According to him, integrity remains one of the most important qualities of effective leadership, noting that public office should never be pursued at the expense of ethical standards or the public trust.
The elder statesman expressed concern over what he described as the growing decline in ethical values within the political system, urging younger leaders to place national interest above personal gain. He said Nigeria’s progress depends on leaders who are prepared to make difficult decisions while remaining committed to transparency and justice.
Eburajolo also encouraged public officials to view leadership as a responsibility rather than a privilege, stressing that the confidence of citizens can only be sustained through honesty, fairness and consistent adherence to the rule of law.
His remarks have resonated with many observers who believe the country requires stronger ethical leadership to address challenges ranging from corruption and poor governance to declining public confidence in institutions.
As conversations on leadership and governance continue ahead of the 2027 general elections, Eburajolo’s reflections have added to calls for greater integrity and accountability in public service.
Leave a comment