Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has called on Nigerians to use this year’s Democracy Day to reflect on the kind of leaders they follow, warning that some politicians are nothing more than “thugs and tropical gangsters.”
Utomi shared his message in a series of posts on Wednesday and Thursday through his X handle. He urged Nigerians to free themselves from leaders whose actions are holding the country back.
“The real reflection for June 12 has to be how the people can liberate themselves from thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as politicians, as their character flaws damage the prospects of the people of their countries,” he said.
The professor linked the importance of June 12 to the leadership role played by the late Chief MKO Abiola. He said Abiola’s fight was not just about winning an election but also about pushing for better leadership in Nigeria.
“Engaging the leadership question in African politics is what drove Chief Abiola. So June 12 is perhaps the day to reflect on leadership,” he added.
Utomi also mentioned Kenyan scholar PLO Lumumba, who often speaks about Nigeria’s problems compared to more developed nations like Qatar. Utomi said Nigerian elites often feel uncomfortable when Lumumba speaks the truth about the country.
“From inside, we hear it every day from people like PLO Lumumba who often shows off Nigeria’s failings when he compares with Qatar, as Nigerian elite in his audience grin sheepishly as if they do not realise it is about them he is speaking. But what he says is the truth,” Utomi stated.
He said he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12 to honour important figures in Nigeria’s democracy journey. These include the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom he called a hero, former Ikoyi Club chairman Tunde Akinleye, and elder statesman Papa Ayo Adebanjo.
Utomi also referred to the book *Tropical Gangsters* by development expert Robert Klitgaard. He said the title fits the kind of political leadership seen in many parts of Africa.
June 12 is now officially celebrated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in memory of the 1993 election, which is seen as the fairest in the country’s history. The election was won by Chief MKO Abiola but was later cancelled by the military government.
