NIGERIA'S POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS: A Call For Alternative Thinking

Professor Pat Utomi’s recent discourse with Punch newspaper sheds light on the dire state of Nigeria's political and economic landscape. His comments invite a deeper reflection on the failures of the Nigerian system, particularly the inability of democracy to function effectively.

Utomi’s analysis suggests that Nigeria, as it stands, is failing. He asserts that democracy is not working, and anyone who refuses to recognize this is deluding themselves. The country’s political system is crippled by the capture of the judiciary and legislature by executive, leaving no room for alternative thinking or robust governance. The total capture of these institutions, especially the sycophantic posture of the National Assembly, represents a grave danger to the country’s prospects for reform and progress.

One of the core issues lies in Nigeria’s economic approach, where the political leadership blindly follows the templates provided by international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Although these institutions may have good intentions, their solutions often do not fit the complexities of Nigeria’s challenges. The responsibility for poor outcomes lies not only in the external advice but in the failure of Nigerian political actors to make local decisions that foster genuine growth and development. Nigeria’s inability to generate homegrown solutions, combined with a slavish adherence to external prescriptions, exacerbates the country’s crisis.

Furthermore, Utomi highlights the tragic reality of a self-serving political elite. The elites, who should champion patriotism and the common good, have instead been consumed by personal gain. Those in leadership positions across all three arms of government have become hustlers, focused solely on extracting benefits from the system rather than asking what can make the country work.

Perhaps most troubling is the failure of the political class to recognize the severity of Nigeria’s crisis. The country is, in Utomi’s words, at war—facing deep economic and security challenges that require a united front and innovative solutions. Yet, instead of fostering a war-like cabinet where all hands are on deck to address national problems, the leadership remains detached and self-indulgent.

There is an urgent need for Nigeria's leadership to model sacrifice and sincerity. Lavish spending by those in power starkly contrasts the constant calls for ordinary Nigerians to tighten their belts. Utomi’s critique underscores the disconnect between the political class and the people. If the leadership fails to make personal sacrifices and demonstrate genuine commitment to national well-being, their calls for sacrifice from the populace will never be taken seriously.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s current predicament requires a complete overhaul of its political and economic thinking. The nation must abandon its dependency on external financial models and develop indigenous solutions that align with its unique challenges. Above all, the political class must break free from its self-centred tendencies and embrace a new ethos of sacrifice and national service if there is any hope of reversing Nigeria’s decline. Without these changes, the country’s future remains bleak.