Utomi: Nigerian political class has fallen short of citizens’ expectations

Renowned political economist Prof. Pat Utomi says Nigeria’s political class has “fallen short of citizens’ expectations,” leaving the country far from the aspirations once held by its young people.

Utomi told our correspondent on the sidelines of the 15th Anniversary of Enough Is Enough Nigeria (EiE) in Lagos on Wednesday.

The EiE is a civil society organisation that advocates better governance in Nigeria led by a Nigerian activist, Mrs Yemi Adamolekun.

Utomi said that the country’s leadership challenges were central to its slow pace of development.

The event, held on Wednesday night in Lagos, had the theme “Footprints and Frontlines.”

He recalled a 1996 interview in which he jested that Nigeria might progress faster if its political and military elite were “given an island and all the nation’s oil resources — on the condition that they never returned.”

He said the comment was made humorously but still reflected the frustrations many Nigerians feel today.

According to him, gaps in leadership performance over the years have contributed to citizens’ sense of frustration.

Utomi said: “When we were students 50 years ago, dreaming of Nigeria’s future, we never imagined it would become this.

“Sadly, Socrates’ concerns about democracy remain relevant — that it can sometimes become a contest of numbers rather than a contest of moral conviction.”

He said national renewal would require a shift in civic consciousness, adding that Nigerians had the power to influence positive change when they were well-organised.

Utomi recalled the formation of the Concerned Professionals in 1993 after the annulment of the June 12 election, noting that the group emerged because many educated citizens prioritised national interest.

He also mentioned a 1995 meeting of the Integrity Movement, where business leaders were encouraged to publicly reject bribery, but only three accepted the challenge.

“Imagine if all 60 major business leaders had taken that stand. Imagine where Nigeria would be today,” he said.

On the future of civic activism, he stressed that each generation must define and pursue its own mission.

“I have contributed across two generations. It is now the duty of the next generation to determine its path,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Fola Adeola, Co-Founder, GTCO Group and Chairman, FATE Foundation, said genuine transformation became inevitable when citizens united around common goals.

He called for renewed commitment to national ideals and rebuilding trust, noting that Nigeria’s future remained bright.

Also speaking, artiste Jude Abaga observed that many young Nigerians had become disillusioned.

He, however, urged them to stay engaged in shaping the country they desired through civic participation.

“Let us use our voices constructively. This country can improve, and our young people can have the nation they deserve,” Abaga said.

Our correspondent reports that the event witnessed the relaunch of Footprints: Past, Present, Future (2nd Edition),a book compiled by EiE Nigeria in honour of late Dr Christopher Kolade, renowned diplomat and a former Nigerian high commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The organisers also presented a short film premiere “One Voice Many Echoes” with documentaries on the 1993 election annulment protests, 2010 Enough is Enough protest and the 2020 EndSars protest.