In an interview with Citizen Rapporteur today, renowned Political Economy professor Pat Utomi criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, likening it to the Senate’s suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Senate President Godswill Akpabio over alleged misconduct.
Utomi described both actions as “unbecoming” and “unfortunate,” suggesting that Tinubu has a personal stake in the matter, particularly regarding the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who has acted as his surrogate. He stated, “Tinubu attempted to be a judge in his own case with this declaration, similar to how Akpabio silenced Natasha Akpoti with a six-month suspension after her allegations against him became public.”
He further lamented, “Nigerian politics is not for those who seek to serve, but for those willing to steal and destroy.”
In response to Nasir El Rufai’s call for the population of the SDP by progressive forces ahead of the 2027 elections, Utomi asserted that such a movement would be commendable only if it is driven by national development rather than personal interests.
