Renowned political economist Pat Utomi has responded to former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s allegation that he was blacklisted by the Ogun State House of Assembly before taking office. Utomi, in an interview with Channels Television, denied any business dealings with the Ogun State government that could justify such a blacklist.
The controversy began when Utomi criticized Amosun for allegedly canceling his contract with the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. Amosun had labeled Utomi as “entitled” in response.
In his rebuttal, Utomi expressed bewilderment at the accusation, stating, “Why would I have been blacklisted? I have never had any business with Ogun that would have led them to blacklist me. I don’t do business with state governments, except in cases related to land matters, which are under government control.”
Utomi also addressed the recent seizure of presidential jets, calling Nigeria’s large fleet of jets unnecessary. He remarked, “When I first heard about the seizure, I was baffled. Many countries, even those in better economic conditions, do not maintain such large presidential fleets. The British, for instance, lease jets for assignments rather than owning a fleet.”
He continued by criticizing the handling of contracts by Nigerian state governors, linking it to the broader issue of unreliable institutions. Utomi cited personal experiences and a book he recently published, which includes case studies of similar contract disputes leading to the departure of foreign businesses.
Utomi concluded by emphasizing the need for greater discipline and transparency among public officials in Nigeria, pointing out that the lack of such qualities often results in significant economic and reputational damage.
