Pat Utomi: ‘Only people of character can turn Nigeria around’

Professor Pat Utomi says Nigeria will only experience a positive turnaround when people of character assume positions of authority in the country.

Utomi, a professor of political economy, made this known while speaking on Channels Television‘s Politics Today on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

He explained that values shape human progress and development occurs when committed people are tasked with service to the country.

He said Nigeria has all it takes to excel and compete with its peers, but the clog in its wheel has been a lack of competent leadership.

“Ultimately, values shape human progress. When we have values and people of character and commitment to service are in positions of public authority, our country will turn around.

“We have the ingredients, the human capital that it takes to show the way,” he said on the programme.

Utomi says culture and value are key to development

Utomi decried the country’s culture and value decline, attributing it to the collapse of institutions that should stand as custodians.

He argued that no country can make real progress without strong institutions, including the judiciary and the electoral body.

“The biggest challenge we have is that culture is in collapse in Nigeria, values shape human progress. How do we get a values revolution? Institutions are critical for human progress if we can commit to building stronger institutions that push back on people who do not do right and the rule of law is fully in place.

“Look at our judiciary, it is a laughing stock – no country can make real progress without a judiciary that you can rely on. Look at our other institutions whether it is INEC or others, they are weak.

“How do we ensure that we have strong institutions and that we have values that really ensure that character matters and that people of character can show a light? We can do it, I am absolutely confident because I have seen it happen in human history,” he added.

In conclusion, Utomi said that young Nigerians are part of the problem bedevilling the country because they’re complicit in electing corrupt politicians.

He said the country can experience positive transformation if leaders do away with nepotism and embrace competence.