By Perez Brisibe

UGHELLI—FORMER presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress, Prof. Patrick Utomi, has alleged that Delta State Government has mortgaged the state by excessive borrowing, adding that if care was not taken, future generations of the state will be held ransom for the huge debt profile.

Pat Utomi

The renowned Economics Professor also expressed worries that the Nigerian economy was in a very bad condition and would be in trouble if not revamped,  saying, “In the next 12 years, the oil industry will become barren.”

Utomi, who is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, made the disclosure at Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, when he met with chieftains of the party from the area.

Lamenting the state of alleged “financial mismanagement” in Delta State, Utomi explained that time has come to emancipate Delta State from political and economic slavery, noting that if Deltans found him worthy as a useful tool for the task at hand, he would graciously contest the governorship seat come 2019.

He said: “Delta State has been mortgaged through excessive borrowing and we may not be able to come out of the debt trap and our children may be used as ransom if we sit down and do nothing. In the next 12 years, the oil industry will become barren and therefore, there is need to organise leaders with great economic foresight to bring the Delta State out of its financial doldrums.

“Nigeria is presently in a very bad condition in her history and without efforts to engage the youths in revamping the economy of the country, we will be in trouble especially in Delta State where the future of the youths have been mortgaged due to huge borrowing by successive governments of the PDP.

“The wealth of Delta State is sufficient to build three mega cities like Dubai but that has not been the case.  Deltans must stop reading the book of lamentation and start singing the song of prosperity. It has been my desire for years to contribute my quota in helping Delta State take its rightful economic place among the states of the federation and at this time, Deltans need a new beginning that will re-position the state to the amazement of all.

“No more wayo, no more moju moju, it is time for sacrifice. I want to stop our women from suffering, enable them to raise their children well and to teach them how to govern Delta State.”