Professor Pat Utomi revealed that former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua wanted him to become a government minister. The economist and political activist refused the job offer because he wanted to keep speaking freely. Yar'Adua served as Nigeria's leader from 2007 until he died in May 2010. Utomi recently started a shadow government to criticize President Bola Tinubu's policies. The professor believes African leaders often try to silence opposition voices through government appointments.
Yar'Adua spent two hours trying to convince Utomi to join his cabinet during their meeting. The late president invited Utomi to his villa residence on a Friday after work to continue their discussion. Utomi told Yar'Adua he would give honest advice anytime the president called him at night. The professor suggested bringing seven qualified people into key ministry positions instead of hiring him. He wanted serious professionals to handle important government departments rather than people seeking personal gain.
Utomi explained that African politics suffers from leaders who recruit strong critics into government positions. This strategy weakens opposition voices and reduces public accountability across the continent. The professor said he remains committed to serving Nigeria through independent criticism rather than government service. He believes outside advisors can help presidents more effectively than appointed ministers who must follow party lines. Utomi continues offering policy advice to political leaders without accepting official government roles.
Yar'Adua spent two hours trying to convince Utomi to join his cabinet during their meeting. The late president invited Utomi to his villa residence on a Friday after work to continue their discussion. Utomi told Yar'Adua he would give honest advice anytime the president called him at night. The professor suggested bringing seven qualified people into key ministry positions instead of hiring him. He wanted serious professionals to handle important government departments rather than people seeking personal gain.
Utomi explained that African politics suffers from leaders who recruit strong critics into government positions. This strategy weakens opposition voices and reduces public accountability across the continent. The professor said he remains committed to serving Nigeria through independent criticism rather than government service. He believes outside advisors can help presidents more effectively than appointed ministers who must follow party lines. Utomi continues offering policy advice to political leaders without accepting official government roles.
