…Nigeria’s President Links to Drug Trafficking, Financial Transgression
Two African Presidents, William Ruto of Kenya, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, have been listed among the world’s most corrupt leaders in 2024.
A report by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an independent anti-graft assessment body made this disclosure.
The OCCRP’s report highlighted that Tinubu ranked third among the finalists, facing allegations of drug trafficking and financial misconduct.
His administration has been marred by public discontent, particularly following protests in August against fuel subsidy removal, which were also met with brutal crackdowns on citizens, activists and suppression of the media.
Both leaders have faced criticism for their lavish lifestyles amid dire economic conditions.
The OCCRP also introduced a “Lifetime Non-Achievement Award,” which was given to Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, highlighting the severe repression under his long-standing rule.
This designation comes as both nations struggle with escalating poverty and hunger.
The report further disclosed that Ruto received over 40,000 nominations for its “Person of the Year” award, driven by public outrage over a controversial finance bill and rampant youth unemployment.
“The judges acknowledged the importance of public interest and outrage at corruption,” the report stated, though the award ultimately went to ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Kenya is facing a widespread protest erupted in June and July, with young citizens demanding Ruto’s resignation. These demonstrations were met with a violent response from security forces, employing tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in numerous casualties and disappearances.
