Renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi has declared Nigeria a "failure," blaming the decline on a lack of alternative thinking and the capture of its legislature and judiciary. He criticizes the National Assembly for failing to foster meaningful debate and calls for unified leadership to address the nation’s crises.
In a recent interview with Punch, renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi labeled Nigeria a “failure,” attributing its decline to a “lack of alternative thinking” and the “capture” of both the legislature and judiciary. He expressed deep concern over the current state of the National Assembly, describing it as the "worst thing that has happened to the country." According to Utomi, the assembly has failed to foster meaningful debates that could address Nigeria’s pressing issues.
“Nigeria is a failure right now; democracy is not working,” he asserted. Utomi criticized political leaders for prioritizing personal interests over the common good, stating, “We have total judicial capture; we have legislative capture, so there is no alternative thinking in the country.” He proposed a “war cabinet” approach, suggesting that leaders should unite with citizens to tackle national challenges, rather than living lavishly while calling for public sacrifice.
Highlighting the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a positive example, Utomi recalled how Obasanjo adopted a low-profile governance style during the oil crisis in the 1970s, in stark contrast to today’s leaders, whom he accuses of misusing public funds. He urged political actors to recognize that Nigeria is in a crisis similar to war, emphasizing that a unified effort and political will are essential for national recovery.
