Renowned political economist and public affairs analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has strongly criticised the extravagant lifestyle of Nigerian politicians, describing it as a moral affront to the millions of citizens grappling with deepening poverty and hardship.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Utomi lamented what he termed the “collapse” of Nigeria under the burden of economic mismanagement, institutional decay, insecurity, and widespread leadership failure. He described the nation’s current economic state as nothing short of a crisis, warning that urgent corrective measures are required to avert further deterioration.
“The rural economy has collapsed. Farmers can’t farm, and yet our political elite are obsessed with convoys, jets and SUVs. It’s morally bankrupt,” Utomi stated.
According to the former presidential candidate and founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership, the ostentatious lifestyle of public officials, exemplified by luxury vehicles and personal jets, stands in stark contrast to the widespread deprivation and hunger faced by everyday Nigerians. He urged the political class to embrace a culture of responsibility and service.
Utomi emphasised that the current challenges confronting the country cannot be resolved without bold policy reforms and a genuine commitment to inclusive development. He cited the need to overhaul Nigeria’s land tenure laws, arguing that outdated property rights remain a major obstacle to agricultural productivity and rural prosperity.
He also advocated the creation and support of agro-processing clusters as a strategic means of reviving rural economies and addressing food insecurity. Such clusters, he noted, could serve as job-creation hubs and catalysts for regional economic growth.
Turning his attention to the country’s security woes, Utomi said rising poverty has made vast segments of the population vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks, including terrorists and armed bandits. He stressed that the current centralised policing architecture is inadequate to confront the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“As insecurity deepens, decentralised policing must be placed on the national agenda. State police forces, if properly structured and monitored, can respond more swiftly and effectively to local threats,” he asserted.
Utomi’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over the disconnect between government officials and the realities facing ordinary Nigerians. His comments echo calls from civil society groups and economic experts urging the Nigerian government to prioritise structural reforms and reorient its leadership ethos.
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