‘Why Nigerian Politicians Play Do-Or-Die Politics’

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday reflected on Nigerian politics, concluding that most politicians in the country play do-or-die politics because of lack of visible means of livelihood.

He stated this in Ibadan while receiving the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Ms. Jumoke Akinjide, who led federal government delegation to deliver President Goodluck Jonathan’s condolence letter to the Governor over the death of his mother, Alhaja Sikirat Abeje Ajimobi, last week.

According to the Governor, anybody who had a definite profession or job would not take politics as a matter of life and death.

“It is unfortunate that politics, as it is played in Nigeria, is in a do or die manner, and it is because you have a lot of people there who have no job and no profession. When they eventually come into politics, that is the only thing they know because they are professional politicians,” he said.

He described himself, the visiting minister and President Jonathan as professionals in politics and not professional politicians, saying this had accounted for their liberal disposition towards politics and governance.

“In our own case, we are professionals in politics. Even the President himself, who is a man of no mean achievements, is a professional in politics, and that has manifested in this condolence visit.

“This is the way politics should be played. When it is time to rejoice together, we rejoice together; when it is time to share sorrow, we share it together because in the end, we are all fighting for the betterment of Nigeria.

“But those who are fighting for the betterment of themselves are those who take politics as do or die. We must, as much as possible, discourage those who see politics as a matter of life and death,’’ Governor Ajimobi said.

He expressed appreciation to President Jonathan for raising such a high-powered delegation to condole with him over his mother’s death.