Renowned economist and political activist, Professor Pat Utomi, has revealed that he once declined a ministerial appointment offered to him by late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, who served as Nigeria's president from 2007 until his death in May 2010.

Utomi, who recently launched a "shadow government" to critique President Bola Tinubu's administration, explained that he rejected the offer to maintain his independence as a critical voice in Nigeria's political landscape.

"I have been asked to be a minister before I turned it down. The last person who did that was President Yar'Adua and he went the extra mile. Two hours, he was talking to me to persuade me to join," Utomi disclosed.

The political economist cited what he described as the "corporatist state in post-colonial Africa" as his primary reason for declining the appointment. According to him, African politics often seeks to neutralize strong opposition voices by incorporating them into government.

"In African politics, there's a tendency to look for a strong voice of opposition and drag the voice into government. So, as to rubbish it or to weaken it," he explained.

Utomi recounted that despite President Yar'Adua's insistence that he would make a greater impact from within the government, he maintained his position. Their discussion reportedly extended beyond official hours, with the President inviting him to continue the conversation at the Presidential Villa residence.

Rather than accepting the ministerial role, Utomi said he offered alternative support to the late president. "I'm a patriot. You can wake me up at anytime, at 2:00a.m, ask for my views and I will give it to you honestly," he recalled telling Yar'Adua.

The professor further revealed that he advised Yar'Adua to appoint seven competent individuals to critical ministries instead. "I told him that what he needed to do was to find seven good people and bring them in. You can count on my advice. Let those hustlers who are looking for jobs, they can contract awards. Let the seven good people man certain critical ministries," Utomi stated.

This revelation comes amid increased political activities from Utomi, who has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the current administration through his recently established shadow government initiative.