He may have been a newcomer, contesting with some of the known political heavyweights for the exalted office of president in last February's General Elections, but Professor Christopher Imumolen never showed, for once, that he was intimidated. He entered the race, determined to make a statement about the need for a paradigm shift in the light of the worsening state of the country's economy and the growing depression Nigerians were feeling at the twilight of the Mohammadu Buhari presidency. Professor Imumolen brought his own kind of swag into the presidential race with vibrancy, sound intellect, youthful vigour and humanity as Nigerians saw a different kind of president candidate. The Accord party candidate takes consolation in the fact that he became not only the youngest man to contest for the position, but the first Ishan man from Edo State to do so. He shares his experience, as well as his plans to consolidate on his modest achievements for the future with this interview with JUST LIBERATION NEWS (JLN). Excerpts....
SIR, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CONTEST FOR THE COUNTRY'S PRESIDENCY IN LAST FEBRUARY'S GENERAL ELECTIONS?
I took just one look at how our people had suffered for long in the hands of a succession of leaders who didn't seem to care for their welfare in terms of the much talked about dividends of democracy they never saw, and decided to throw my hat in the ring to join the race.
What made my decision even more compelling, especially at the tail end of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency was the parlous state of the economy and the collapse of virtually all the sectors in terms of service delivery to the people.
I told myself that I and indeed, all well meaning individuals who really cared for this country and it's people, needed to stop sitting on the fence and do something.
I therefore declared my intentions to run in order to breathe a fresh into leadership, and change the status quo of what seemed a perpetual recycling of old politicians who felt it was their birthright to continue to be in the spotlight.
As an academic, industrialist, technologist, entrepreneur and humanitarian who rose from the ashes of nothing to prominence through sheer dint of hardwork and God's grace, I felt I was eminently qualified to steer the country out of the abyss of wanton neglect and into a new dawn of prosperity.
I saw myself as that new face with the new ideology to give the country a new direction.
DID YOU THINK YOU HAD A CHANCE OF WINNING, CONSIDERING THAT YOU WERE A NEWCOMER IN THE COUNTRY'S POLITICAL SCENE?
How would I find that out if I didn't first take the chance? See, the fear of failure is what made most people who would otherwise have been great in life not to take a chance on their dreams. For you to achieve something in life, you just have to start. It was about expediency. It was about, "let's just get this thing done!"
The only thing that stops a man from achieving greatness in life is himself, not starting. I was motivated and driven by altruism. I was not intimidated. I was not looking at the big names or the size of the opposition. I was looking at what we could do to change the status quo.
I may have been coming into the political arena anew, but I was not new to handling challenges. I had achieved much in my personal and business life in the past by taking risks. So, being convicted about what I was doing was just enough as an incentive.
Of course, there were dissenting voices. We were mocked by some. But we were not bothered.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY INTO POLITICS, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO HOW YOU FARED IN THE RACE FOR PRESIDENT. WHAT DID YOU GAIN, AND WHAT DID YOU LOSE?
I gained experience -- experience that would have taken me years and years to garner. I got to know Nigeria from a different perspective. Traversing the length and breadth of the country, campaigning, made me appreciate me appreciate the country and it's complexities the more.
It has been a worthwhile experience, I tell you. I have made new friends, just as I have made new enemies. Nigerians now know who Professor Chris Imumolen is. They now also know that there are young Nigerians like him who are patriotic, cerebral and capable to rule the country if given the chance.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU AND 16 OTHER CONTESTANTS WERE LEFT RUEING WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THE OUTCOME. WAS YOUR INABILITY TO WIN ATTRIBUTABLE MORE TO INEC'S ALLEGED INEFFICIENCY IN THE CONDUCT OF THE ELECTIONS OR YOU DIDN'T HAVE WHAT IT TOOK?
There were many reasons. Before I talk of INEC and it's alleged failures, let me say this.
For us to get the issue of conduct of elections and hitch free release of results right, there has to be a lot of voter education.
I know a lot was done to open the eyes of the people to the pitfalls of electing leaders on the basis of how much money they give during the last exercise, but I think more still needs to be done, going forward.
For most of us, especially newcomers like us who didn't have so much money to share during the last elections, it was difficult to make headway, no matter how good our manifestos.
Then, another contributing factor was the media. The media did not help matters as they concentrated more on just four out of the 18 political parties. They made it look like it was only PDP, APC, LP and NNPP that was in the presidential race in the way they projected and highlighted their activities more.
The media influences how people react to things. They did not help us at all.
I will also say that the platform upon which I came was not so known to the people. But even that wouldn't have been an issue if the media helped in giving us all a level playing field by doing for us what they also did for the so-called big parties.
Finally, INEC. I don't want belabour the issue of irregularities that was widespread in the last elections. The evidence of that is all over the place with the several cases before tribunals and courts in the land. INEC must learn to be more effective and transparent in their dealings. They can demonstrate that in forthcoming governorship elections scheduled for the same day in three states -- Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo -- on November 11.
AND DESPITE THE CONTROVERSY THAT TRAILED THE OUTCOME, YOU WERE SPORTSMANLY ENOUGH TO CONGRATULATE BOLA TINUBU FOR HIS VICTORY. YOU RECEIVED PRAISES AND KNOCKS IN EQUAL MEASURE FOR THIS. WHY DID YOU RISK YOUR REPUTATION SO?
Congratulating Bola Tinubu on his victory at the polls was the logical and most proper thing to do at the time. It was a bitterly contested elections as all kinds of sentiments -- religious and political -- were being ventilated, and the country was tottering on the brink of anarchy as most people, especially those who felt the election was rigged to favour certain candidates were openly calling for a military coup.
Others were beating the drums of war as the the social media became the preferred medium for such unpatriotic ventilations.
But I knew that the corporate existence and unity of Nigeria superseded any personal interest. Losing is a thing that is usually hard to take when one considers the dashed hopes, money wasted and effort put in, but still, it wasn't sufficient grounds for us to set the country ablaze and mortgage our futures and those of our unborn children.
So, it made sense for me to congratulate the man who was declared winner, first in the spirit of sportsmanship and secondly, to douse the tension and calm frayed nerves. Of course, it didn't go down well with a lot of people, including even those in my camp.
But, looking back now, I think I have been vindicated.
THE CONTROVERSY OVER TINUBU'S VICTORY STILL RAGED DESPITE THE ELECTION TRIBUNAL RULING THAT HE WON FAIR AND SQUARE. WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE MATTER?
For us, we went back to the drawing board to restrategise for the future, while deciding to also see how we can help the present government work through suggestions and constructive criticisms.
We were never interested in going to any court or tribunal to fight the outcome of elections. Not because we thought the elections were perfect, but because we are more interested in Nigeria and her people who are the ones suffering these back and forth shenanigans of lengthy court cases that are of no profit for the common man.
We are concerned more about the rapid turnaround of the economy in such a way that it can ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians who daily bear the burden of high cost of living. Not court cases.
Well, I hope with the final judgement of the Supreme Court on the matter, attention will now fully shift to how this vision of a quick turnaround of our battered economy can be achieved.
THE ISSUE OF TINUBU'S CERTIFICATE FROM THE CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY RAGED FOR MONTHS UNTIL THE SUPREME COURT RESOLVED IT. DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THIS FAR?
Those who took the matter to court are in a better position to explain this. To me, I think it was an issue that should have been tackled when he was governor of Lagos State for eight years. I don't want to speak for anyone, but I think it would have made more sense had the issue of the authenticity or otherwise of Bola Tinubu's CSU degree been tackled much earlier.
In any case, since we did not contest the certificate's genuiness because we felt it was fruitless to do so, I would rather that I be left out of the controversies that have emanated from it.
As I said, the Supreme Court have settled the matter and we can now all move on to ensuring that the country's gets back fully on it's feet again. We have wobbled and fumbled for too long.
I only have one advice for Tinubu. He should look outside the immediate confines of his party and chose capable hands to also work with him in order to add more quality to his government. I think the best way to make everyone feel a sense of belonging is to spread his arms to welcome even those who didn't vote for him as a loving, non-discriminatory father would.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOW TINUBU HAS FARED IN OFFICE SO FAR AS PRESIDENT?
See, the storm is just still too overwhelming. We are not in a good season. Things are very tough for most Nigerians. The high inflation rate, the cutthroat rise in the prices of essential commodities, goods and services as a direct consequence of the recent petroleum subsidy removal hasn't helped matters.
But in all of these, I would still say, let's give Tinubu's government a little time. Things are not good in virtually all the sectors of the economy but I think it's a building stage. My philosophy is, a seed must first of all die, germinate, grow, mature before it can be give good yields.
YOU ARE KNOWN TO BE A PASSIONATE EDUCATION ADVOCATE. DO YOU THINK TINUBU MEANS WELL FOR THE SECTOR WITH HIS RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS ON STUDENTS LOAN, AND THE PAYMENT OF WITHHELD SALARIES OF LECTURERS?
Well, he has made a lot of pronouncements lately. But I won't score him on the basis on pronouncements alone. I'll do that when I see the implementations.
For instance, the students loan. Much as it is a good idea, I am concerned about how it will be funded considering that our budget is in deficit in the current fiscal year.
But I see a ray of hope for our tertiary education system now that the issue of the lecturers is no longer being treated with levity. The recent payment of withheld salaries of lecturers is a clear message that the Tinubu is interested in their welfare and those of our students who have often borne the brunt of intermittent ASUU strikes in the past.
However, for our educational system to witness the kind of rapid I have often envisioned, there needs to be three arms of primary, secondary and tertiary education.
These arms need to stand alone as different ministries within a larger Federal Ministry of Education for effective management.
We should have Ministry of Primary/Secondary Education, Ministry of Tertiary Education and the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education.
WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY FROM TINUBU HAD YOy THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ELECTED IN HIS STEAD?
What I would have done differently done differently would have been to open up my government to embrace ideas from those I consider imbued with the capacity to add value to it, even if they were outside the immediate confines of my party.
To be fair to him, Tinubu has made some credible appointments. It has been a mixed bag, but on the whole, composition of his cabinet has fair been enough.
YOU ACHIEVED TWO MAJOR MILESTONES OF BEING THE YOUNGEST CANDIDATE, AS WELL AS THE FIRST ISHAN MAN IN HISTORY TO VIE FOR THE COUNTRY'S HIGHEST OFFICE AT FEBRUARY'S GENERAL ELECTIONS. HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
I am very happy. It's most edifying to know that I was the youngest candidate, as well as the first Ishan man from Edo State to contest for the office of Nigeria's president in the last General Elections.
I will forever relish those important milestones. But I have the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill that was passed into law by former president Muhammadu Buhari to thank.
I am grateful to have been able to take advantage of the bill which essentially made me elegible at the age of 39 to contest. It helped me carry out the task of representing the youths. I may not have won in the end, but I gained a huge victory in the manner my participation in the process has now laid the foundation for youths who are now being given their pride of place in government at all levels. It is gratifying to note that even President Tinubu has included a few young persons in his cabinet. That's a good development. I believe it will get even better as we get along.
YOU ARE ALSO KNOWN TO SPEND A SIZEABLE PORTION OF WHAT YOU EARN ON CAUSES THAT SEEK TO UPLIFT MANKIND IN DIFFERENT SPHERES. WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO?
My upbringing. My father -- Aikhuomogbe Imumolen. He was a humanitarian. He died when I was young. He taught us to give. My mum was also a giver. Growing up to see what my parents did in touching lives really motivated us to also emulate their footsteps. My father died when I was just 12. From then, I struggled and went through a lot of hardship to go to school and make something out of life. Today, I am blessed and the best way I can think of to show my gratitude to God from picking me up from the dunghill of penury into prosperity, is to also bless others in whatever way I can.
This has been the motivation behind all the philantropic activities I have undertaken over the years.
FINALLY, SIR. WOULD YOU BE WORKING ON CONSOLIDATING ON WHAT YOU ACHIEVED DURING THIS FIRST OUTING ON THE POLITICAL STAGE OR IT IS JUST A ONE-OFF?
Yes. I will be working on consolidating on my what I achieved during my first outing. I see it's a continuum. I have just written a book detailing my experience and I hope to launch it soon. It will serve as a reference as well as a guide to others, especially youths who would want to toe similar political path in the future.
We are working on building young persons who patriotic, with the right attitude to life and work, as well as having value for humanity.
I believe God will more youths that zeal, passion not just to engage to participate in the electoral process or governance, but to see that every opportunity they have to serve is to God, to mankind and not for selfish enrichment.
We need to quickly build our country, get us out of poverty, getore jobs for the 70million Nigerians either unemployed or underemployed, work towards ensuring that 20million out of school children are made to go back to school. The overall target is to see us prospering again as a country.
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