Professor Pat Utomi has criticised the APC-led government, saying it has failed to meet its responsibilities while leaving Nigerians to bear the cost of essential services.
In a statement, Utomi said citizens pay taxes but still have to buy generators for electricity, drill boreholes for water, contribute to road repairs, hire private security and pay for healthcare and private education because public services have been neglected.
He added that waste disposal, drainage, streetlights and transformers have also become financial responsibilities for individuals and communities.
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“Then what exactly are we paying this APC-led government to do?” Utomi asked, pointing to governments elsewhere that invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure and social welfare.
He said Nigerians facing economic hardship are repeatedly urged to make sacrifices, citing the removal of petrol subsidies and increases in electricity tariffs, university fees and healthcare costs.
“But how much more must the people sacrifice while those in power continue to enjoy the privileges of office?” he asked.
Utomi said taxation creates an obligation for government to provide public services, adding that authorities cannot collect taxes, abandon their responsibilities and expect public approval for making life more difficult.
“If Nigerians must finance their own survival, what exactly is the purpose of government?” he said.
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