Professor Pat Utomi is a man I have come to respect so much. A political economist, management lecturer, entrepreneur, societal role model and recently, Nigerian presidential aspirant. He represents a breed of Nigerians that, if permitted, will serve as much needed medicine for our present day ill-plagued society. Not that he needs our permission anyway. One look at his resume will tell you that.
He has served on various boards in government, private sector and in academia. He is a role model to young people like myself who have a burden to see a better and greater Nigeria (named Societal Role Model in pioneer awards by the Nigerian Tribune in 2001)
In his article, POLITICS WITHOUT THE PEOPLE, (http://www.dawodu.com/utomi8.htm), he made the following observation:
Nigeria lies prostrate because in Nigerian politics people do not really matter. Just look at the things we assume about Nigerian politics. They all seem to discount the Nigerian people. Look at the undemocratic nature of the processes of our political parties; the assumption by most Nigerians that voting is pointless because elections are rigged by a political class that think nothing of the weight of the voice of the people; the mindless corruption that leaves the state treasury empty even as the Governors pour the fortune of the common wealth into their private quests for political bounty as aspirants for the presidency. How did we get it so wrong.
Indeed, how did we? I believe that the very definition of "Bad Governance" is governance that is not people-centered. At this point, I am reminded of the chorus in one of Micheal Jackson's popular songs- "all I wanna say is that they don't really care about us!" Our rulers don't really care about us. How else would you explain why they amass stupendous wealth while the people that voted them in live in abject poverty and disease?
What we need in Nigeria are compassionate leaders who give a damn about the common man; leaders who will deny themselves of even sleep; not to hatch evil plans on how to obtain and retain power and wealth, but rather staying up to devise strategies to reduce poverty and make life better for the masses.
We need leaders with a vision for our country.
"....my vision of a new Nigeria is a country of people of industry and integrity who live in harmony and prosperity with one another, inspiring an African renaissance in which the dignity of the human person is at the centre of all public choice..." Pat Utomi http://www.dawodu.com/utomi8.htm
What Nigeria needs are politicians who ARE FOR the people.
