•Prof Pat Utomi
Professor Pat Utomi says putting people of character in positions of authority will turn around Nigeria’s fortunes for the better.
The professor of political economy, who was a guest on Channels Television last night, said the country has the human capital required to achieve greatness.
“Ultimately, values shape human progress. When we have values and people of character and commitment to service are in positions of public authority, our country will turn around,” Utomi said on the programme.
“We have the ingredients, the human capital that it takes to show the way.”
Utomi lamented that culture and value are in decline in Nigeria, blaming it on the collapse of institutions in the country.
According to him, no country can make real progress without strong institutions, including the judiciary, and the electoral body among others.
“The biggest challenge we have is that culture is in collapse in Nigeria, values shape human progress. How do we get a values revolution? Institutions are critical for human progress if we can commit to building stronger institutions that push back on people who do not do right and 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 judiciary that you can rely on. Look at our other institutions whether it is INEC or others, they are weak.
“How do we ensure that we have strong institutions and that we have values that really ensure that character matters and that people of character can show a light? We can do it, I am absolutely confident because I have seen it happen in human history,” he said.
Utomi also said that young Nigerians are part of the problems of the country, saying that they are complicit in electing corrupt politicians. He said that the country will fare better when leaders jettison nepotism for competence.
