Rita Odafe
Professor Pat Utomi, a prominent Nigerian economist and political figure, has revealed that the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua once proposed a ministerial role for him, which he ultimately declined.
Yar’Adua was the president of Nigeria from 2007 until his passing in May 2010.
In an interview with Sunday Sun, Utomi explained that he turned down the position because he wanted to maintain his independence and voice.
Instead of accepting the role, he offered to recommend seven individuals for the late president’s cabinet.
The distinguished economist and politician, who recently established a “shadow government” as a critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stated: “I was once approached to be a minister, and the last that did so was President Yar’Adua, who took considerable time, around two hours, to persuade me. I told him I didn’t have anything against holding office, given my background in political science and related fields.”
“I believe one of the core issues affecting Africa is the corporatist state that has emerged in post-colonial times. This means that in African governance, there is a tendency to seek out strong opposition voices and draw them into the government to undermine their influence.”
“Yar’Adua acknowledged my perspective but believed I’d have a greater impact from within the system.”
“On that Friday, after official hours, we went to his residence, and I told him, as a patriot, I would offer my honest opinion whenever called upon, even at 2:00 a.m. I suggested he recruit seven capable individuals to fill important ministerial posts. Those seeking jobs could instead focus on obtaining contracts, while these seven would ensure effective governance.”
“When I mentioned that those seeking positions could have contract awards, I stressed that the seven individuals would lead to a more functional government.”
He further elaborated: “Yar’Adua responded positively, asking me to find those seven individuals and bring them forth, and he would support me. At that moment, I was ready to reconsider. I mentioned I couldn’t provide names on the spot but would return to Lagos, compile the list, and send it to him. I did so, handed the envelope with the names to Steve Oronsanye, and that was the last I heard from him. Shortly after, Yar’Adua became ill, and the rest is history.”
“However, a senior official informed me later that he likely never received the envelope, thinking I had ignored him during his final days, which wasn’t true. I never intended to snub him.”
