Renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi has traced Nigeria’s deep political and moral decline to the 1999 transition from military rule, warning that the takeover of power by unfit actors damaged democracy and sidelined ideas.
Speaking on ARISE News while reflecting on his 70th birthday, Utomi said Nigeria abandoned values, integrity and intellectual leadership in favour of raw power. According to him, the mix of military centralisation and oil wealth created a rent-driven culture where personal gain replaced public service.
Utomi argued that this shift allowed less deserving individuals into leadership positions, weakening institutions and poisoning public life. He described Nigeria’s democracy as “procedural but hollow,” noting that power without ideas only destroys long-term possibilities.
Despite the setbacks, Utomi expressed hope, saying Nigeria still has a historic mission to restore dignity and inspire progress. He believes the country’s diaspora could drive a future renaissance, turning today’s brain drain into brain gain.
He concluded that ideas still rule the world, insisting Nigeria can rise again if leadership is driven by inclusion, values and the common good.
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