Prof. Pat Utomi posited that the country does not need many political
parties as it exist today. He recommended that what Nigeria need is a
movement that will form the perception of the masses.
The
professor of political economy maintained that movements are meant to
shapen the ideologies of political parties. He further advised existing
movements to come together as one to determine the direction of the
country’s political system.
He also lamented
that Nigeria political atmosphere lacks stronger citizenship behavior,
noting the need for citizens to be more engaged in politics.
He
said, “There are several initiatives like Restoration Group, NIM, and
CNM, the one Obasanjo is generating. At some point, everybody should be
able to talk to one another and say let’s not be splitting heads. To the
best of my knowledge, what is required is the movement not so much
political parties.”
“People from the movement can go into political parties that they desire to go into because movement is a consciousness thing.”
“We
obviously are going to encourage people to go into their parties and
reform them. If you are from the APC or any other party, you should take
over the way things work to elevate the quality of engagement.” He
added.
Noting the need for youth to be actively involved in the
country’s politics, Utomi expressed that young people must be exposed
and empowered to take over leadership positions in the country.
“We
must begin to incorporate more young people. Young people today are
more expose and one of the mistakes we make is saying young people are
not smart. We must begin to socialize them, make them more active and
involved and many of them can run this country.”
He further
encouraged the youths to organize and take over the political space. He
also added that youths could determine who attain each position in the
country advising that they (youths) should vote differently in 2019.
