Panic Over Planned Protest Shows That Something Is Wrong – Utomi

Political economist Professor Pat Utomi expressed grave concerns on Friday about the state’s anxiety surrounding the planned nationwide protests set to begin on August 1.

Utomi described the panic among state officials as troubling, noting that such protests are a normal aspect of democratic engagement. Speaking at the launch of his new book, *The New Tribe*, he observed that protests were commonplace during military regimes.

He remarked, “It is alarming that the prospect of a protest by some unidentified individuals has stirred such widespread anxiety. This indicates a fundamental issue in the relationship between the state and its society.”

Utomi criticized the state’s reaction as indicative of deeper systemic problems within the nation’s governance and societal values. He pointed out that the excessive fear of an impending protest has led to unwarranted panic, threats, and misinformation.

“The current state of our nation is deeply troubling,” Utomi said. “The fear of these planned protests has triggered panic, threats, and scapegoating, accompanied by fabricated claims by state agents.”

He also highlighted ongoing economic challenges, including concerns from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and chambers of commerce over interest rates and inflation.

“The unmasking of yesterday’s pretenders and the shrinking number of those committed to a just society suggest that our nation is in serious trouble,” he added. “Values that drive progress seem to be absent from our current landscape, and it is up to citizens to work towards restoring them.”