KEY POINTS
- Pat Utomi speaks about leaders of character to change fortunes of Nigeria.
- The demise of culture and the write – up indicating that weak institutions are currently constricting Nigeria’s advancement.
- Utomi has called for the youth involvement and the reduction of preferential employment based on kinship.
Speaking on the topic: Democracy and Character, Impetus for Change, Professor Pat Utomi has therefore called for people of character to take charge of the destiny of this country: Nigeria. Fielding questions on Channels TV ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday, the political economist averred that, though Nigeria has the human resources for development, the country lacks the right values and leadership.
Finally, it is values that define the course of evolution of humanity existing at the present stage of its development. When people of character are in public authority, this country will turn around,” Utomi said. He stressed that the right leadership meant that Nigeria could do great things with the resources at its disposal at the time pointing out that, “We have the ingredients, the human capital it takes to show the way.”
Initiatives, institutions and culture in deterioration
Therefore, the proposed vision is reflected in the initiatives and institutions that are in decline. According to Channels news, Utomi blamed the deterioration of culture and values as caused by the break down of institutions such as the judiciary and the INEC. He argued that any country eager to effectuate organic change must have sound institutions for justice and probity.
The largest problem of all is that culture is in crisis in Nigeria. Organizations are compulsory for peoples development. What can we say about our judiciary? It has become the laughing stock of the nation. Without a stable judicial structure, it is impossible to conceive of growth, Utomi added. He called for better structures that are capable of maintaining the rule of law and make character and competence significant qualities of leaders.
Call for youth engagement and competence
Utomi also complained about Nigerian youths’ contribution to vote for corrupt politicians, claiming that the youths should participate to bring about change. He stressed the fact that Nigeria can only move forward if leadership focus on ability than relationships. Taking his point to another level, he said: “What we are saying is that we require a values revolution where we reject the culture of hiring someone due to their connection than the ability to do the work.”
Utomi dismissed difficulties in Nigeria’s transformation, arguing that there are historical examples of nations that moved from such situation to create value leadership and institutions.
The largest problem of all is that culture is in crisis in Nigeria. Organizations are compulsory for peoples development. What can we say about our judiciary? It has become the laughing stock of the nation. Without a stable judicial structure, it is impossible to conceive of growth, Utomi added. He called for better structures that are capable of maintaining the rule of law and make character and competence significant qualities of leaders.
