Renowned economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has described Nigeria as a “failure,” blaming this on the capture of both the National Assembly and judiciary under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In an interview with Punch, Utomi expressed deep concern over the country’s political and economic systems.
According to Utomi, the current National Assembly is the worst the country has seen, having failed to promote meaningful debate to address Nigeria’s problems.
He emphasized that the political class is more focused on self-interest than on the public good.
“Nigeria is a failure right now; democracy is not working. We have total judicial and legislative capture, and there is no room for alternative thinking,” Utomi remarked.
He criticized the lavish lifestyles of Nigeria’s leaders, calling for a “war cabinet” approach where leaders and citizens unite to tackle the crisis, similar to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s low-profile governance during the 1970s oil crisis.
Utomi also discussed Nigeria’s economic struggles, arguing that while international organizations like the IMF provide templates, it is up to local political leaders to adapt them effectively.
He attributed the nation’s downfall to a lack of patriotism, ignorance, and self-centeredness among the political elite.
