Written by Lawrence Agbo
Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi explained that Nigeria’s fortunes could improve if people of character took up positions of authority.
The professor, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, said the country has the necessary human capital to achieve greatness.
“After all, values shape human progress. When we have people of values and a commitment to character and service in positions of public power, our country will be better off.” Utomi said on the program.
“We have the materials and human capital necessary to show the way.”
Utomi blamed the loss of Nigeria’s values and customs on the collapse of the national system.
He said no nation can make much progress without strong institutions such as courts and electoral institutions.
“The biggest challenge we have is that in Nigeria, culture is collapsing and values are shaping human progress. How do we start a values revolution? Doing the right thing? Institutions are critical to human progress if we can work to build stronger institutions that displace those who don’t, and if the rule of law is fully in place.
“Look at our judiciary, it is a laughing stock. No country can make real progress without a credible judiciary. Look, they are weak.
“How do we ensure that we have strong institutions, that character matters, that we have values that people of character can show the light to? “I’m absolutely confident that it can be done, and I’ve seen it happen in human history,” he said.
Mr. Utomi further alleged that Nigerian youths were contributing to the country’s woes by helping elect dishonest leaders. He argued that countries would prosper if leaders replaced nepotism with competence.
