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.
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