Nigerian INEC Commissioner Urges Citizens to Take Responsibility for Economic Hardship

In a recent statement, the National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kenneth Ukeagu, has expressed concern over the economic hardship plaguing Nigeria. He attributed the challenges to the behavior of the country’s citizens, rather than solely the government.

Ukeagu made this statement during the 2024 Entrepreneurship Grant Ceremony organized by the Connak Foundation in Abuja on Saturday evening. According to him, everyone has a role to play in nation-building, and it is unfair to place all the blame on the government and public officeholders without considering the role of the average citizen.

The INEC commissioner emphasized that Nigerians must take responsibility for the current economic difficulties facing the country. He argued that since governance is a reflection of the broader society, the onus is on citizens to make a change.

Ukeagu used examples to drive his point home, citing individuals who shut down their petrol stations or increase prices on the black market. He stressed that these actions are not limited to government officials, but rather are perpetuated by ordinary citizens.

The Chief Executive Officer of Connak Foundation, Mrs Carol Sunday, echoed these sentiments, stating that most shortcuts often lead to disaster. Sunday emphasized that her initiative is committed to assisting the government in areas such as empowerment, investment in human capital development, and ethical practices to overcome the economic challenges facing the country.

Under Sunday’s leadership, the Connak Foundation has achieved significant milestones, including training over 25,000 youths in its entrepreneurship program and having over 500 youths under its scholarship scheme.

Ukeagu’s message is clear: Nigerians must work together to overcome the economic challenges facing the country. It requires commitment, devotion, and discipline, but the reward is a better future for all.