A public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has advised Nigerians living abroad to be cautious of a recent statement made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding the country’s condition. Shehu described Akpabio’s statement as misleading and untrue, asserting that it paints a false picture of progress and stability in Nigeria.
In a post on his official social media handle, Shehu urged Nigerians in the diaspora to ignore Akpabio’s statement, which he characterized as political propaganda. He highlighted the stark realities facing the country, including widespread hunger, unemployment, and malnutrition. According to Shehu, 139 million Nigerians are struggling with hunger, 60 million youth are jobless, and over 30 million children are suffering from severe malnutrition.
Furthermore, Shehu noted that Nigeria’s debt stock has reached N170 trillion and is still increasing. He warned Nigerians abroad to exercise caution if they plan to return home, stating “come back home at your own risk.” Shehu’s message also referenced biblical verses, including Psalm 10:7 and Ephesians 5:6, which caution against deceitful leadership and empty words.
Shehu emphasized that Nigerian leaders have made deception a permanent culture, prioritizing lies over the welfare of citizens. He stressed that Nigerians abroad should not be swayed by political speeches that do not reflect the reality on the ground. Instead, they should be aware of the harsh conditions faced by the majority of citizens, including poverty, unemployment, and poor governance.
The comments made by Shehu come amid growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s economy and governance. As the country continues to grapple with these challenges, it remains to be seen how the government will address the issues raised by Shehu and other critics. Meanwhile, Nigerians living abroad are advised to remain vigilant and informed about the situation in their home country.
