Pat Utomi reflects on the legacy of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua

Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi has reflected on the administration of the late Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, suggesting that Nigeria’s political trajectory might have differed had he not died in office.

Speaking on the ‘Csuite Cafe’ programme, Utomi described Yar’Adua as a “committed patriot” dedicated to national progress. He recounted a personal encounter at the Presidential Villa where Yar’Adua attempted to persuade him to join the cabinet. While the late president argued that impact could be made more effectively from within the government, Utomi declined the offer, stating he preferred to provide advice from outside the administration.

Yar’Adua passed away on May 5, 2010, and was succeeded by Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan.