The Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has lamented that any politician in the country is perceived as rogues and vagabonds, arguing that there are intellectual politicians in the country, who desire to offer selfless service to their fatherland.
Mimiko spoke at the public presentation of a book, ‘Serving my fatherland’, written by a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, at the University of Ibadan on Monday.
Also present at the event were a former Senate President, Ken nnamani; a former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. Oladayo Popoola; a former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, and many other dignitaries.
Mimiko noted that it was important for ‘intellectual politicians’ to document their experience in politics and government so that Nigerians would change their perception about politicians.
He added, “I am here because I am excited about the personality of Prof. Adeniran, not only as an intellectual but also as a politician. It is important for the intellectuals in politics to document their experience.
“There is this demonic characterisation of politicians in Nigeria. Politicians are seen as vagabonds, rogues and so on. The only way to stop this and correct this impression is for those who have served to document their experience in politics so that Nigerians will also know that there are still many men of honour in politics; people who offer selfless service to their fatherland.
“I am looking forward to reading this book and I will recommend it to Nigerians. Many intellectuals are armchair critics but it is very important to have intellectuals, who have taken part in politics. They must have gone through everyday challenges that politicians face so they will know that it is possible to mix the two.
“Every politician does not have to be an intellectual but every politician must drink from the knowledge of intellectuals like Prof. Adeniran.”
Adeniran, who presented the book as part of his 70th birthday celebration, called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against corruption, insecurity, economic downturn and other vices that had long defined the nation’s polity.
He lamented that many national questions remained unresolved, arguing that there seemed to be insufficient national concern as to the implications of the problems. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
So what are there? ok saint!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMost Nigerian Governors, Senators and other high-ranking leaders are incredibly corrupt, including those that call themselves intellectuals. Tell me which of these people are not soundly educated: Jonathan, Saraki, Odua, Diezani Madueke, and Bankole to name just a few. Yet there's one thing in common among all of them - they are all rogues. Obasanjo, Babangida, Abacha, and several of the former military leaders were no intellectuals, but they are/were super rich also. So, from intellectual to non-intellectual, most Nigerian leaders are undeniably roguish.
ReplyDeleteMimiko is right. And I agree with the perception that every politician in Nigeria is a rogue. I was looking at the CV of ministerial nominees the other day and I saw some of them stating that their profession is "Politics". Really? Anyone whose primary profession is politics is a rogue. An honest person must first have a profession. he could be a carpenter, a plumber, a lawyer, an engineer, an accountant, or even a diplomat. But to say your profession is "Politics", you must be a rogue.
ReplyDeleteYou read my mind. - obas
DeleteMimiko cannot deny that majority of politicians are indeed vagabonds, he needs to look no further but his neighbour. That they are rogues cannot be contested one is in jail at UK, some died of hypertension when they look at jail gates, some procure perpetual injunction etc
ReplyDeleteIt's not a perception, you're all rogues
ReplyDelete