PAT UTOMI CHALLENGES NIGERIANS ABROAD DEFENDING TINUBU’S GOVERNMENT: “WHY ISN’T YOUR FAMILY BACK HOME?”

Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has challenged Nigerians living abroad who defend President Bola Tinubu’s administration despite the economic and social difficulties confronting citizens at home, questioning why their own families are not living in Nigeria if they believe the country is being properly governed.

Utomi made the remarks while criticising Nigerians who continue to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government despite complaints about the rising cost of living, economic hardship and other challenges affecting households across the country.

The political economist questioned the consistency of Nigerians who reside in foreign countries, enjoy the benefits of more developed public institutions and infrastructure, but still defend government policies that critics say have made life difficult for people in Nigeria.

He challenged such individuals to consider whether they would encourage their relatives to return home and experience the conditions they publicly defend.

The professor’s comments form part of his wider criticism of political loyalty based on party affiliation, ethnicity and religion rather than the performance of elected officials.

Utomi has repeatedly argued that citizens should hold governments accountable regardless of the political party in power, insisting that public officials should be judged by their policies and their impact on ordinary Nigerians.

In an earlier intervention, he questioned why Nigerians suffering from government policies would continue defending the same administration, describing the situation as a contradiction that undermines the demand for good governance.

He argued that political and religious affiliations should not prevent citizens from questioning leaders whose decisions affect their livelihoods.

Utomi also warned that Nigerians risk compromising the future of younger generations when they defend political leaders without demanding accountability.

He said his concerns were not motivated by personal political ambition, stressing that his focus was on the future of Nigerian children and generations yet to come.

The political economist has also used international development examples to challenge the argument that Nigeria must wait for several decades before achieving meaningful economic progress.

He previously cited Singapore’s transformation under former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, arguing that purposeful leadership and consistent policies could lay the foundation for significant national development within a relatively short period.

Utomi’s latest criticism comes amid continuing public debate over the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy, exchange-rate changes and efforts to increase government revenue.

The policies have generated different reactions, with the Federal Government maintaining that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy, reduce fiscal pressures and create conditions for long-term growth.

However, critics have raised concerns about their immediate effects on household incomes, transportation costs, food prices and the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.

The government has defended its economic direction, arguing that the reforms are intended to address structural problems and that their benefits will become more visible over time.

Utomi has remained among the prominent public figures questioning the administration’s approach and calling for greater accountability from political leaders.

He has also challenged Tinubu to participate in a live presidential debate with other contenders ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that Nigerians deserve direct explanations from candidates about their policies and records.

According to Utomi, presidential candidates should be willing to engage citizens openly on issues such as the economy, insecurity, governance and national development.

He has further called for greater public participation in protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly as political parties prepare for the next general election.

The professor’s comments have added to the ongoing debate over the role of Nigerians in the diaspora in national political discussions, especially when their views on government policies differ from the experiences of citizens living in the country.

While Nigerians abroad retain the right to participate in political discussions and express opinions about their homeland, Utomi’s challenge raises questions about how political arguments should be measured against the everyday realities faced by ordinary citizens.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor reactions to Utomi’s comments, the Federal Government’s response to criticisms of its economic policies and the wider debate over accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.