By Kolawole Ojebisi
Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has urged Nigerians to reject those he described as “thugs and tropical gangsters” masquerading as leaders in the country.
Utomi maintained that there is no better day to reflect on leadership in Nigeria than on the occasion of Democracy Day celebrations, stressing that the citizens need to liberate themselves from the shackles of misgovernance foisted on them by the political elite.
The renowned economist spoke in a series of posts on his official X on Thursday.
“The real reflection for June 12 has to be how the people can liberate themselves from thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as politicians, as their character flaws damage the prospects of the people of their countries,” he wrote.
Utomi linked the spirit of June 12 to the leadership struggle championed by the late Chief MKO Abiola, whose annulled 1993 election victory is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Engaging the leadership question in African politics is what drove Chief Abiola.
“So June 12 is perhaps the day to reflect on leadership,” Utomi stated.
The professor also referenced Kenyan public intellectual PLO Lumumba, adding that the foremost African mind has criticised Nigerian political elite for failing to transform the country from a basket case to a boomtown, like Qatar, despite the potential at their disposal.
“From inside, we hear it every day from people like PLO Lumumba who often shows off (sic) Nigeria’s failings when he compares with Qatar, as Nigerian elite in his audience grin sheepishly as if they do not realise it is about them he is speaking. But what he says is the truth,” he added.
Utomi further revealed that he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12 in honour of some key figures linked to the democratic struggle.
He said, “These include the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom he described as a hero, and others like Tunde Akinleye, a former chairman of Ikoyi Club, and elder statesman, Papa Ayo Adebanjo”
He also referenced the book ‘Tropical Gangsters’ by development expert Robert Klitgaard, suggesting the term aptly describes the nature of political leadership in parts of Africa.
