Political economist and prominent supporter of Peter Obi, Professor Pat Utomi, has taken a swipe at alleged cases of corruption and unexplained loss of public funds in government institutions, declaring that such incidents would become a thing of the past if Obi becomes president.
Utomi, in a politically charged statement, said an Obi-led administration would ensure accountability in the management of public resources, insisting that both public officials responsible for financial misconduct and those who offer questionable explanations would be held accountable.
Making a direct reference to the widely ridiculed past reports of snakes allegedly swallowing money in government offices, Utomi maintained that such explanations would no longer be tolerated under an administration committed to transparency and responsible leadership.
“When Peter Obi wins, funny stories about snakes swallowing billions of naira in public funds in government offices will become a thing of the past. He will ensure that both the person telling such a lie and the snake will be held accountable. Vote wisely, my people,” Utomi stated.
The comment comes amid growing political discussions and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures and supporters of different political platforms intensifying conversations around governance, economic recovery, corruption and accountability.
Utomi’s remarks appear to reinforce one of the major themes associated with Obi’s political campaign: the need to strengthen public institutions, eliminate waste and ensure that public officeholders are accountable for the resources entrusted to them.
The reference to snakes allegedly swallowing public funds recalls a controversial incident involving the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in 2018, when an official reportedly claimed that a snake had swallowed N36 million from the organisation’s vault. The explanation attracted widespread public criticism and became a symbol of questionable accountability in the country’s public sector.
Utomi’s statement has added to the political debate over the kind of leadership Nigerians expect as the country approaches another general election, with accountability, transparency and prudent management of public funds remaining major issues in national discourse.
