Utomi warns corruption costing Nigerians lives

Professor Pat Utomi and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, have warned that corruption in Nigeria is costing citizens their lives, according to their separate posts on X. Utomi highlighted how stolen public funds impact essential services like hospitals, roads, education, and electricity. He cited examples such as children missing out on education and businesses shutting down due to unreliable electricity.

Okutepa criticized Nigerians who condemn corruption but aspire to benefit from it, noting that the celebration of those whose wealth seems out of line with their legitimate earnings is an obstacle to fighting the issue. He also mentioned the selective nature of public condemnation, noting that it often depends on personal ties or political affiliations.

Both warned that without changing societal attitudes and strengthening institutions, reform would not be lasting. Okutepa urged Nigerians to evaluate success based on how wealth was acquired, not possessions, and demanded accountability from those benefiting from corruption.