Professor Pat Utomi, a prominent political economist, has issued a dire warning, stating that Nigeria is on a path to a ‘free fall’ unless the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) steps in to compel Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to resign.
In a series of pointed posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Utomi did not limit his call to the NBA alone. He appealed to a broader spectrum of society, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, and senior lawyers, urging them to ‘redeem themselves’ by speaking the truth.
Utomi drew unsettling parallels between INEC, under Amupitan’s leadership, and the late Soviet Union dictator, Joseph Stalin, known for his dictatorial tendencies. This comparison highlights the professor’s profound concern about the direction of Nigeria’s electoral integrity and democratic foundations.
Evoking a powerful religious metaphor, Utomi spoke of the ‘stone of love of money’ that he believes blinds lawyers and senior judges, leading them to ‘sacrifice the country’s future by unjust deeds regarding electoral laws and the rule of law.’ He prayed for this ‘stone’ to be ‘rolled away.’
His message carried a stern warning for those who remain silent: ‘Those who see truth and cloak themselves in the garb of silence, including religious leaders, senior lawyers, and traditional rulers, will someday dance naked in the marketplace. Speak now and redeem yourselves or forever live with the shame.’
The professor left no doubt about the critical role of the NBA: ‘If the NBA cannot prevail on Amupitan to resign, the fall of Nigeria through institutional and moral safety nets has become a free fall.’ He added that history would hold ‘all Lawyers and Amupitan accountable in a way that will embarrass the children of their children.’
Utomi’s impassioned comments appear to be a direct response to INEC’s recent controversial decision to derecognise certain factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala. While INEC cited a review of a court of appeal judgment on the party’s leadership crisis, the Mark-led faction has rejected this interpretation, accusing the electoral body of acting under external pressure. This development has sparked significant criticism and debate over whether INEC correctly interpreted the court order, leaving ADC without any leadership currently recognized by the commission.
The implications of such actions, combined with Utomi’s grave warnings, underscore a critical moment for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the rule of law. The spotlight is now firmly on the NBA and other key stakeholders to respond to this urgent plea.
Source: Original Article
