Renowned political economist and public affairs commentator Prof. Pat Utomi has called on civil society organisations to take immediate action to rescue Nigerians from what he described as “politicians behaving like reckless bandits.”
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Utomi made the statement on Wednesday while reacting to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has escalated following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.
Utomi expressed deep concern over the growing culture of impunity in the country, stating, “We have come close to the bottom in this game of impunity.” He highlighted the widespread disapproval of the State of Emergency, citing condemnations from human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), media personality Reuben Abati, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), all of whom have described the move as unconstitutional.
Abati, in particular, had labelled the declaration an impeachable offence and questioned the willingness of the National Assembly to hold the executive accountable.
“Abati said it was impeachable and wondered if the National Assembly had the guts to do its duty,” Utomi noted.
The professor also revealed that he received a text message alleging that “bandits in Aso Rock” had devised a plan to install an unelected administrator in Rivers State.
According to the message, this individual would be manipulated to facilitate the looting of the state’s resources for six months.
“One text to me said bandits in Aso Rock found a path to fixing an unelected person they would manipulate to loot Rivers for six months,” Utomi disclosed.
Utomi emphasised the urgent need for civil society to intervene, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if left unchecked.
“Civil society must act now to save all from politicians as reckless bandits,” he declared.
Prof. Utomi’s remarks have added to the chorus of voices demanding an end to impunity and a return to democratic norms in Nigeria.
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