Hunger Protests Unite Nigerians Across Ethnic, Religious Lines, Peter Obi Decries Nigeria’s Economic Crisis
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the current state of Nigeria’s economy, describing it as one of the worst in the nation’s history. In a series of tweets on Monday, Obi lamented the tragic incident in Lagos where several lives were lost in a stampede during a search for cheap rice.
According to reports, a large crowd had gathered at the Zonal Office of the Nigerian Customs Service in Yaba, Lagos, to purchase discounted 25kg bags of rice. The stampede that ensued resulted in the loss of lives, highlighting the extreme hunger and desperation faced by many Nigerians.
Obi emphasized that despite the country’s abundant resources, many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic food items. He noted that the number of people classified as multi-dimensionally poor has risen to over 80% of the population, with a serious hunger index ranking of 109th out of 125 countries.
The former governor also raised concerns about the high food inflation rate, which is currently over 35%, and the alarming level of unemployment, especially among the youth. He criticized the government for its misplaced priorities, citing examples of excessive spending on unnecessary projects while neglecting crucial sectors like healthcare and agriculture.
Obi called on the government to prioritize investment in the agricultural sector to ensure food security and create employment opportunities. He urged for the utilization of the vast uncultivated lands in the North for food production and export, emphasizing the need for adequate security for farmers.
Despite the challenges, Obi commended the resilience of the Nigerian people and their hope for a better future. He called for concerted efforts from the government, security agencies, and the populace to address the issues of hunger and poverty plaguing the nation.
PM News
