In a recent interview with Sunday Sun, esteemed Nigerian economist and political activist, Professor Pat Utomi, revealed he declined a ministerial appointment offered by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Utomi explained that his decision was rooted in a desire to maintain his political independence and avoid being silenced within the government.
Utomi recounted that President Yar’Adua personally spent two hours attempting to convince him to join his cabinet. Despite the president’s efforts, Utomi firmly believed that remaining outside government would allow him to more effectively advocate for good governance in Nigeria.
Though Utomi holds political science degrees and recognizes the importance of public service, he expressed concerns about the corporatist nature of post-colonial African politics. He described how opposition voices are often co-opted into government, only to be weakened or silenced.
During the meeting, Utomi suggested to Yar’Adua that he could provide honest advice at any time, even at 2 a.m. Instead of joining the cabinet, Utomi proposed the president find seven skilled individuals to strengthen his government. Yar’Adua agreed and asked Utomi to help identify these individuals. Utomi later compiled a list of recommended candidates and delivered it to a top government official, Steve Oronsaye. However, no follow-up occurred.
Sadly, Yar’Adua fell ill and passed away in May 2010. Utomi later learned that the president may never have received the list and could have mistakenly believed Utomi had rejected him during his final days. Utomi, however, strongly refutes this notion, emphasizing he did not snub the late president.
