An elder statesman and former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, said Nigeria’s future politicians will be more corrupt.
Akande stated this at his 85th birthday anniversary and the unveiling of the Adebisi Akande Foundation (AAF) held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He warned all governors and other political leaders, especially the ones on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to beware of political vagabonds who would later come out to challenge and accuse them of corruption to take over the mantle of leadership.
The former interim national chairman of the APC said he was afraid because Nigerians were talking about corruption among the present crop of political leaders, but another set of political vagabonds were coming who would be more corrupt, vicious, richer, and more influential than the present ones.
He said, “We are in a Nigeria where everybody is more corrupt. Corruption is on everybody’s mind. These vagabonds are in the party and struggling to become leaders. Armageddon has started. These coming political vagabonds are going to fight with you.
“Today the vagabonds are hiding under your armpits, under your garments. The current political leaders in Nigeria should be careful of these new sets of vagabonds. They (vagabonds) are the most corrupt, and they are becoming more popular in the minds of the people.
“They have more money and are possibly richer than you. They will fight and possibly take over power if you are not careful, but they don’t mean well for the nation,” he said.
Prominent Nigerians that graced the occasion included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who represented the Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Chairman of the occasion and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, among other top government and private functionaries.
President Tinubu said it was his joy to witness the 85th birthday of Akande, the grand old man and one of the moving forces of the progressive movement in Nigeria.
“It is delightful and gratifying to know that Akande is still fit, mentally alert, in good health, and continues to contribute meaningfully in our quest for a fairer, more just, and more equitable society.
“Baba Akande turning 85 is a landmark achievement that calls for celebration. We must also be thankful to God for his life and for giving the nation an eminent leader like him,” he said.