Former Nigerian presidential candidate and political economist Pat Utomi has ignited controversy after recounting a 15‑hour journey from Lagos to Asaba, condemning police extortion and collapsing road infrastructure as symbols of Nigeria’s governance failures.
Utomi, who shared his ordeal on social media, said the trip, which should take five to six hours, was marred by gridlock, dilapidated highways, and repeated demands for bribes by police officers. “From police trying to extort money to terribly bad roads, Detty December got dirty,” he wrote.
His comments have sparked a storm of reactions. Civil society groups say Utomi’s account reflects the daily humiliation faced by ordinary Nigerians. “If a prominent figure like Pat Utomi can be extorted, what hope is there for everyday citizens?” asked the Socio‑Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). Business leaders warned that corruption and poor infrastructure are strangling productivity. “Companies cannot thrive when logistics are crippled by extortion and bad roads,” said Lagos‑based consultant Adewale Ogunleye.
On social media, Nigerians vented anger and despair. One viral post read: “Bad roads and corrupt checkpoints are killing our economy.” Another user wrote: “This is why investors flee — no trust, no infrastructure, no accountability.” Supporters of the government countered that Utomi’s remarks were politically motivated, with one comment declaring: “Opposition figures exaggerate to discredit the administration.”
The Nigerian Police Force has yet to respond to the allegations, but the silence has only fueled speculation. Analysts warn that the controversy could deepen public mistrust. “This is not just about one man’s journey,” said Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, a governance expert. “It is about whether Nigeria can deliver basic services without corruption.”
The incident raises uncomfortable questions: Can Nigeria reform its police force to end roadside extortion? Will billions spent on infrastructure ever translate into smoother travel for citizens? And perhaps most pressing; how long can Nigerians endure a system where even the powerful are not spared humiliation on the road?
For Utomi, the journey was more than a personal ordeal. It was a metaphor for a nation stuck in traffic, weighed down by corruption and broken promises.
