By Latiifah Amusan
Political Economist and Former Presidential Aspirant, Professor Pat Utomi, has taken a firm stand against the Nigerian Senate, accusing them of exhibiting insensitivity towards the economically vulnerable during a period of profound financial hardship in the country.
During a recent plenary session at the red chamber, an incident unfolded that sparked outrage and concern.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, along with several other lawmakers, allegedly engaged in a distasteful joke at the expense of the less privileged, raising eyebrows and intensifying discussions about the disconnect between some political leaders and the struggles faced by the poor.
In response to this troubling event, Professor Pat Utomi voiced his disapproval through a tweet recently.
He expressed deep distress over the Senate’s actions, denouncing what he perceived as a mockery of the plight of the economically disadvantaged amidst the prevailing economic crisis in the nation.
He wrote,
“I am traumatized by this mocking of the poor by our Senate. In a decent society we should have had resignations by now. To mock the poor is to mock God. I know where Godswill Akpabio was before Obong Victor Attah gave a hand. Better an honest poor than a rich thief politician
“I wonder what it will take to make people realize that values shape human progress. Sustainable progress is not possible where culture is in collapse and institutions are dysfunctional. Sadly this seems extant reality in Nigeria. Citizens need to be awakened to where we are
“To abuse public trust and mock the victims as is becoming habit of the criminal network of our politicians is to forget how transient power is. All will do well to remember the Judgment of Conscience, the judgment of history, and the Judgement of God.”
