By Charles Igwe
Renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi has criticized the state of the Nigerian government, labeling the current National Assembly and judiciary as some of the worst in the country’s history. Utomi expressed his concern over the lack of alternative ideas and the failure of political leaders to address Nigeria’s mounting challenges, calling for immediate action to reverse the nation’s decline.
In an interview, Prof. Utomi said Nigeria is currently in a state of failure, exacerbated by what he described as “judicial and legislative capture,” which he believes has stifled necessary debate and problem-solving within the political system.
“Nigeria is a failure right now; democracy is not working. We have total judicial capture, and legislative capture, so there is no alternative thinking in the country,” Utomi said. He argued that the National Assembly, instead of serving as a platform for meaningful debate, has become a “hustling ground” where politicians are focused on personal gain rather than the nation’s well-being.
The economist emphasized that Nigeria is in a crisis similar to war, where leaders must prioritize the common good and lead by example. He criticized the lavish lifestyles of political elites, stating that their behavior undermines calls for sacrifices from ordinary Nigerians.
Referencing former Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo’s austerity measures during the oil crisis of 1976-77, Utomi said current leaders should adopt a similar low-profile approach to show solidarity with the public. “When you have that kind of problem, you need a certain kind of mindset,” he remarked, adding that the solution requires “intense political commitment,” which he feels is currently lacking.
Utomi further argued that economic recovery is impossible when political actors are more concerned with self-interest, calling on the political class to recognize the severity of the situation and act as though the country is at war, pulling together to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.
“The Nigerian political class needs to recognize that we are in a moral equivalence of a war,” Utomi concluded. “But Nigerian politicians still think they are on a binge.”
