Popular political economist Pat Utomi has called for a value-based overhaul of Nigeria’s political recruitment system.
He recently warned that the present political culture is more focused on rewarding opportunism over service and character.
Speaking via his social media page, Utomi revealed that most Nigerian politicians avoid telling the truth as they see it because they live off politics.
According to him, it is very simple to manipulate most political actors in Nigeria nowadays since the majority of them can be easily swayed as long as their pockets are filled.
He reiterated that those aspiring to public office must try to meet a higher threshold of integrity and competence to solve the nation’s problems.
“In Nigerian politics, the flight from truth is largely because most politicians live off politics. Any unprincipled person who wants to manipulate them away from the common good can easily dangle the carrot and stick and be sure of the outcome,” he wrote.
Emphasising the importance of independent livelihoods outside of politics, Utomi explained that the era of wealth accumulation through public office must end once and for all.
He concluded by warning that wealth gained at the expense of innocent Nigerians will ultimately lead to ruin and regrets.
“Critical for allowing anyone near public office include character, competence, a history of service, disposition to reason over emotion, courage of conviction, a developmental state commitment and a big sense of judgment of history. All must have alternative addresses.
Wealth gained at expense of pain of innocents denied the fruits of progress ultimately brings ruin and a sour taste in the mouth of history. It is important that criteria and principles that undergird recruitment into public life be laid out up front for parties of the future,” he added.
