Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has declared that he will no longer contest for any political office or accept appointments or contracts from the Nigerian government.
Utomi made the statement on Friday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he emphasised that his sole focus now is the well-being of future generations and the restoration of meaningful democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Let me state clearly: I will not run for public office, I will not accept an appointment, contract by any government in Nigeria. My only concern is the well-being of the next generation,” he said.
Utomi added that his decision was rooted in principle, noting he had lived a life free of corruption and sought to distance himself from speculation about seeking political gains.
“I have lived my life decently without government money or stealing anybody’s thing. I want to take that away from people who talk nonsense like, ‘Oh, he is looking for a contract’,” he stated.
On the concept of a shadow government, Utomi said it was a democratic mechanism for citizens to hold elected leaders accountable.
(Tribune)
