Prof. Patrick Utomi, a former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), has urged Nigerian politicians to imbibe the commitment and service of late Nelson Mandela.
Utomi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
He said Nigerian politicians should emulate the exemplary life of the former South African President, who died at the age of 95 on Dec. 5.
He added that “Mandela lived a life that was not about him, he lived the life of the people, and it was about service. He was the ultimate paradox.
“He did not think about himself because he was there for his people and not himself.’’
According to him, Nigerian leaders will be more effective when they abide by the theory of service to all, instead of thinking about their individual interests.
He noted that “our politicians are obsessed with themselves rather than thinking of the people. If commitment, service to all and the rules are clear, they will be more effective.’’
Utomi said Nigerians needed transformational leaders who would change the mindset of citizens about the notion that every politician was corrupt.
“What we need is transformational leaders who will take this country to its zenith. It takes discipline to be self-master,’’ he stressed.
The former South African President would be buried in his home town of Qunu in Eastern Cape Town on Sunday, Dec. 15.
