A renowned economist and public intellectual Professor Pat Utomi has delivered a sharp Easter message on X (formerly Twitter), condemning senior lawyers and judges for allegedly jeopardizing Nigeria’s future through “unjust deeds” in electoral law and governance.
His pointed critique comes amid the ongoing leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan revealed he first learned about a pivotal Court of Appeal ruling via social media, rather than official channels.
On X, Utomi wrote:
“May the stone of love of money which makes senior lawyers and some judges sacrifice the future of Nigeria and their own children by unjust deeds regarding electoral laws and the rule of law be rolled away.”
The economist’s reference to greed as the motivator behind “unjust deeds” highlights a belief that financial inducements may be influencing key legal actors in electoral matters. By invoking Easter imagery of the rolling away of the stone from Christ’s tomb, Utomi framed his warning as a call for moral renewal within Nigeria’s legal and judicial institutions.
The ADC crisis, split between factions led by former Senate President David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, has been mired in multiple court cases, conflicting rulings, and INEC’s refusal to recognize any faction, paralyzing the party’s activities. Critics accuse some senior lawyers of exploiting the dispute to destabilize the opposition, while certain judicial orders appear to favor the ruling party by keeping the opposition in limbo.
INEC Chairman Amupitan confirmed the chaos, revealing that on March 16, 2026, he received contradictory legal letters from both factions on the same day. He emphasized that he could not act on social media reports and relied on careful legal review before making decisions.
For Utomi, the “love of money” explains why some legal practitioners prioritize personal gain over democratic integrity. His Easter message urges a resurrection of conscience, challenging those within the judiciary and legal profession to act ethically for the sake of Nigeria’s democratic future.
With the electoral landscape in turmoil and opposition parties like the ADC caught in legal gridlock, Utomi’s message serves as both validation and warning: the nation’s democratic future is at stake, and the actions of those in power are being closely watched.
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