Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose says Nigerian office holders demanding respect from citizens must first resign their positions.
The 60-year-old stated this while defending his penchant for criticising the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Fayose said timidity kept many leaders from speaking up when things were going awry.
He reminded public office holders that they hold the position in trust, stressing that they must therefore always listen to and protect the interest of the people.
“I don’t mince words in saying my mind because I am not a timid person.
“Everybody has their own nature. I am not somebody that wouldn’t talk when things aren’t rightly done,” Fayose stated.
“Political office holders hold the offices in trust. We are supposed to be protecting the interest of our people.
“It’s like somebody asking me, “Why are you not contesting a seat in the Senate?” I don’t have to be in government at all times.
“I say my mind when there is oppression or when things are not well done. We are the privileged people who are supposed to be the voice for the under privileged. We are supposed to raise our voice when there is oppression.
“Nobody will say in this country that I have not raised my voice against the tyrannical rule of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Even before he came to power, I didn’t hide it. We are in a democracy where there is freedom for people to express themselves. Everybody talks to the US President Donald Trump.
“But in Nigeria when you criticise a leader they will say you do not respect the leader. If you are seeking that level of respect, why are you keeping the people’s commonwealth?
“You are in power for our interest and we must be able to talk to you,” Fayose said.