“What Kind of Tragedy Is This?” Pat Utomi Challenges APC Defenders

All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters have come under fire from renowned political economist Pat Utomi.

He questioned why some Nigerians continue to support the current administration despite the fact that it consistently makes life miserable for its citizens.

“I find it sad to see Nigerians defend this APC government on a daily basis when all it has done is to continuously make life miserable for them.”

“Think about that for a moment. People who are suffering because of a government’s policies are the same people defending the government responsible for their suffering. What kind of tragedy is this? How long will Nigerians continue to defend the very people making their lives miserable simply because they share the same tribe, religion or political affiliation?” he asked.

Utomi recounted an encounter with a fellow who claimed it would take Nigeria another 200 years to get better, citing America as an example.

He said, “I began to lecture this fellow about Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore and how it took him just 10 years to lay the foundation for the economic prosperity Singapore enjoys today. This was a country that was literally described as a destitute, poor region by politicians back then.”

Utomi said his advocacy was not for personal gain but for future generations.

“I am 70 years old. I am not fighting for anything again because I have lived my life. I am fighting for the future of our children and the generations to come. If we do not come together to end tyranny because of tribal affiliations, religious differences and the scraps we receive from the tables of corrupt politicians, a day will come when our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will ask us questions about what we did when politicians were destroying Nigeria. And we will be too ashamed to give them an answer.

“Imagine looking into the eyes of your grandchildren and having no answer when they ask why you allowed their future to be destroyed. Imagine explaining to them that you defended the people who made their parents poor because those politicians belonged to your tribe or shared your religion. Imagine telling them that you watched your country collapse and did nothing because you were receiving crumbs from the tables of the very people destroying it,” he said.

While Utomi questions Nigerians who continue to defend the APC, the country’s difficult conditions do not take away anyone’s right to choose whom to support. People are facing hardship, and many are dissatisfied with the current situation, but every Nigerian is free to back the party or candidate they believe in. Ultimately, voters must decide what they want for the country whether that means continuing with the APC or choosing a different path in pursuit of change.