Renowned educationist, lawyer and former governorship aspirant in Edo State, Kenneth Imansuagbon, has described Nigeria’s political class as people not prepared to serve but use politics as a business venture instead of a means to uplift humanity.
In a sober reflection of his 60 years journey during activities marking his diamond jubilee, Imansuagbon, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) said although he remained grateful for life, he was unhappy with the state of the nation and longed for a return to the good old days of his early years when people could travel freely, food was abundant, and education more accessible and qualitative.
Lamenting the current state of Nigeria, the proprietor of the eye-brow Pacesetters Group of Schools, Abuja, opined that the country has regressed in critical areas despite sustaining democratic rule since 1999.
“If I am happy? No, but I am thankful to God for life. I am not happy about the state of the nation,” he said regrettably, noting a “sharp decline” in security, food production and infrastructure when compared to earlier decades.
“My early years in Nigeria were better in terms of security, food production, and infrastructure development,” he reminisced. “We must return to those days when people could travel freely and access quality education,” he suggested.
Imansuagbon, popularly known as the “Rice Man” because of his seasonal distribution of rice across the state, blamed the country’s challenges on poor leadership, accusing most political actors of prioritising personal gain over public service.
“What we have are people not prepared to serve. They use politics as a business venture instead of a means to uplift humanity,” he said.
Imansuagbon noted that despite numerous challenges, Nigeria’s democracy has endured due to the resilience of Nigerians, the restraint of the military and support from the international community.
He asserted that “Since 1999, we have sustained democracy. It has not derailed largely due to the tenacity of Nigerians, the military remaining in the barracks, and support from the international community, despite citizens enduring the shenanigans of some members of the political class”.
On the recent Supreme Court judgement restoring the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, he described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
Imansuagbon insisted that “Democracy and the rule of law can never be killed. The will of the people can never be destroyed when they speak out,” adding that the judgement would stabilise the party and restore confidence among its members.
According to him, “The Supreme Court’s decision is a stabilising moment for the ADC. By restoring the David Mark-led executive and returning the matter to the Federal High Court, it offers clarity, reduces uncertainty, and rebuilds confidence among Nigerians.”
Reaffirming his commitment to national development at 60, Imansuagbon said he would continue to advocate for justice, equity, and people-centred governance.
“Turning 60 is symbolic and I am grateful for God’s mercies. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for justice, equity, and people-centred governance. The struggle for a better Nigeria is ongoing, and I remain fully engaged,” he posited.