An economist and political activist, Prof Pat Utomi, revealed that he was offered a ministerial appointment by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, but he turned it down.
Yar’Adua was Nigeria’s president from 2007 until his passing in May 2010.
Pat Utomi explained that he rejected the offer because he wanted to maintain his independence and not have his voice silenced.
Instead of accepting the appointment, Pat Utomi recommended seven individuals to serve in the late president’s cabinet.
Recently, Pat Utomi launched a “shadow government” to critique President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“I have been asked to be a minister before I turned it down. The last person who did that was President Yar’Adua and he went the extra mile. Two hours, he was talking to me to persuade me to join. And I said to him, it’s not because I have anything against being in office. I have degrees in political science and all that.
“I know that one of the biggest challenges we have in Africa is what is called the corporatist state in post-colonial Africa. And what does this mean? It means that in African politics, there’s a tendency to look for a strong voice of opposition and drag the voice into government. So, as to rubbish it or to weaken it. “President Yar’Adua said to me that he respects my view, but that he believes that I will still make a greater impact from inside.
“It was on a Friday, he closed work that day and we went to the house, his residence in the villa. I now said to him, look, I’m a patriot. You can wake me up at anytime, at 2:00a.m, ask for my views and I will give it to you honestly. I told him that what he needed to do was to find seven good people and bring them in. You can count on my advice. Let those hustlers who are looking for jobs, they can contract awards. Let the seven good people man certain critical ministries.
“That all these hustlers who are looking for jobs can have contract awards. I emphasized that the seven people will make the government work,” he said.
