I Am in Washington Talking to People, and They Mock You–Prof Pat Utomi Tells Segun Showunmi

Professor Pat Utomi has clashed with Segun Showunmi during a town hall meeting over corruption, the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions, and Nigeria’s leadership.

In a video shared by SilverBird TV, Utomi, who supports Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said corruption remains one of the major problems holding Nigeria back. He explained that he chaired a panel set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 to establish anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The professor argued that Nigerians must be honest about the country’s problems instead of pretending that everything is working well. He also criticised Showunmi during the exchange, accusing him of acting as a mouthpiece for the government.

Showunmi, who supports President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), questioned the effectiveness of the EFCC. He argued that the organisation should have been designed as a policing system.

The disagreement became more heated when Utomi spoke about his interactions with people in Washington, saying they mocked Showunmi. He insisted that Nigerians needed to face the truth about the country’s challenges rather than engage in what he described as political games.

However, Showunmi rejected Utomi’s claim and responded that the criticism was directed at the professor himself. He also questioned the performance of Utomi’s political ally.

In his words, “We got to be honest with ourselves; this business of playing these funny games doesn’t elevate us. I am in Washington talking to people; they mock you.”