Political economist Professor Pat Utomi has urged Nigerians to distance themselves from certain politicians, labeling them as “thugs and tropical gangsters.”
In a series of posts on his X page on Thursday, Professor Utomi emphasized the urgent need for Nigerians to liberate themselves from political leaders whose actions, he claims, are detrimental to the country’s progress.
He drew a parallel between the spirit of June 12 and the leadership struggle led by the late Chief MKO Abiola, whose annulled 1993 election victory is widely regarded as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Utomi also announced that he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12 to honor key figures associated with the democratic struggle.
“It’s the eve of June 12, and I have been inundated with questions about the struggle, especially in light of the current situation. Was it worth it, they ask? My reply: Imagine where we could have been without that struggle,” he said.
“On June 12 at noon, I will stand in silence for three minutes to honor a few heroes: Chief MKO Abiola, who passed away while I was en route between Frankfurt and Manila; Tunde Akinleye, a former Ikoyi Club chairman and my close friend from the struggle; and Papa Ayo Adebanjo.”
He continued, “Engaging with the leadership question in African politics was what drove Chief Abiola. June 12 is a day for reflection on leadership. Let’s examine our situation from both an external and internal perspective. Development consultant Robert Klitgaard titled his book ‘Tropical Gangsters,’ while former Canadian diplomat and World Bank official Robert Calderisi wrote ‘The Trouble with Africa: Why Foreign Aid Isn’t Working,’ with a chapter titled ‘Thugs in Power.’ He writes: ‘Ministers are driving Mercedes and Cadillacs while the majority are hungry.’
“The true reflection for June 12 should focus on how the people can liberate themselves from the thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as politicians, whose character flaws undermine the prospects of their nations.”
