Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi expressed concern on Friday over the state’s anxious reaction to a planned protest set to begin on August 1.
He described the state officials’ panic as troubling, emphasizing that such protests are a normal part of democratic engagement.
Speaking at the launch of “The New Tribe,” Utomi drew comparisons to past military regimes where protests were frequent, suggesting that the current reaction indicates a fundamental disconnect between the state and society.
“For us to now get all wound up that some unknown people are planning a protest shows that something has gone fundamentally wrong with the nature of the connection between the state and society,” Utomi said.
Utomi highlighted the nation’s current state as dire, noting that the fear of an impending protest has led to unnecessary panic, threats, and misinformation. He criticized the state’s reaction as symptomatic of deeper issues within national governance and societal values.
In his speech, Utomi remarked: “The state of the motherland is certainly worrisome, so worrisome that notice by some not known people about impending protests have set off panic, threats, bullying, and scapegoating resulting in prefabricated falsehoods by agents of the state.
“MAN and the chambers of Commerce are up in arms with the direction of interest rates as monetary authorities struggle to contain inflation with high interest rates and insecurity continues.
“In this season of the unmasking of yesterday’s pretenders and the shrinking of the club of truthsayers and those who truly believe in a just society, it is not difficult to tell that the state of the motherland is of grave ill health.
“Surely values shape human progress, and values seem to have taken flight from our current landscape. Citizens have an obligation to seek restoration.”
Utomi’s remarks underscore the need for a reassessment of the state-society relationship and the importance of maintaining democratic values and open dialogue in addressing national issues.
