Nigerian Politicians Perceived As Rogues – Mimiko

The Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has lamented the tag ascribed to Nigerian politicians, saying that while Nigerians see them as rogues and vagabond, there are intellectual politicians in the country who offered selfless service to their fatherland.

Mimiko spoke at the public presentation of a book, ‘Serving my fatherland,’ which was written by a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, at the International Conference Centre, 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 said it was important for ‘intellectual politicians’ to document their experiences in politics and governance so that Nigerians would change their perception of politicians.


The governor said, “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 experiences. There is this demonic characterisation of politicians in Nigeria. Politicians are seen as vagabond, rogues and so on. The only way to stop this and correct this impression is for those who have served to document their experiences 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 the everyday challenges that politicians face so that 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 the intellectuals, like Prof. Adeniran,” Mimiko added.
The author, 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 polity.


Adeniran also lamented that many national problems remained unresolved and that there seemed to be insufficient national concern as to the implications of the problems.
He said, “Nobody is sure if the national restructuring and other reforms recommended during the 2014 National Conference will be processed and implemented. This leaves the principalities of power great latitude to ignore some basic political ideals and populate the political space with various people to operate within a framework yet to be fully defined and in dire need of redesigning.”
Copyright PUNCH.