Renowned political economist and Labour Party leader, Pat Utomi, has voiced serious concerns over the role of the Nigeria Police in Rivers State, accusing them of serving as “uniformed thugs for those in power.”
Utomi made these remarks following a visit to Port Harcourt, where he observed heightened tensions surrounding the recent local government elections.
In a social media post, Utomi reflected on the strained atmosphere in Rivers State, describing it as a confirmation of his long-held fears about the state of governance. He specifically pointed to the influence of forces loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, accusing them of creating a climate where citizens feel both oppressed and apathetic, despite what he called “the looming threat of anarchy.”
“Wike and Fubara forces line up, the people felt stressed but strangely unperturbed; the smell of coming anarchy in the air mixed with the rains that came down sporadically, and the elders spoke softly about being captured and held hostage,” Utomi wrote on X.
His critique also extended to the judiciary, which he accused of being complicit in undermining democracy. He expressed concern over the judiciary’s apparent lack of accountability, remarking that it has “no shame” in its role in Nigeria’s democratic decline. “Meanwhile, some went off on leave like Nero fiddling as Rome burnt,” he added, suggesting a lack of urgency in addressing the country’s governance crisis.
Utomi concluded his message by quoting a line from Hot Chocolate’s Cicero Park, warning of the deterioration of Nigerian society: “Life is dying out… don’t let it happen in your time.” He called on elders, professionals, and students to act before the creeping instability worsens, emphasizing that those in power seem unaware of the gravity of the situation.
