Former national interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande, has staunchly defended his book ‘My Participation,’ asserting that he owed no apology to critics and challenged them to express their perspectives through their writings.
In a press conference held on Saturday to mark his 85th birthday in his hometown, Ila-Orangun, Akande boldly reiterated, “I have no apology for saying the truth.
“Everything I wrote in my book is true, and none has ever come out to challenge me.”
While responding to criticism, highlighting that his book had been judged negatively without being read. Akande urged others to form their opinions after reading his work.
Beyond addressing the controversy surrounding his book, Akande delved into political insights, advocating for a return to the 1960 constitution.
He argued that this historical framework, where legislators were compensated per sitting, encouraged commitment and active participation.
“The 1960 constitution is the best. Farmers go to the farm, doctors go to their hospital, and at the time of seating, they go and give them a sitting allowance.
“The military wanted to stay in power, and they started using salary,” Akande explained, emphasizing the shift from the original system.
Expressing concerns about Nigeria’s work ethic, Akande shifted the focus to citizens, blaming them for a lack of readiness to work.
He challenged the prevailing mindset of expecting miracles from leaders without active participation in societal progress. “Nigeria is a country where nobody wants to work but everybody wants to have money by ease,” he remarked.
Akande attributed this mindset to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), asserting that the shift in values began with the military.
In a critical assessment, he concluded, “The Nigerian followers don’t deserve good leaders,” highlighting the need for a cultural shift towards a more active and engaged populace.
