Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for exacerbating poverty and turning Nigerians into beggars through its palliative measures.
During a visit to the Prestige Sisters League over the weekend, Babalola voiced his concerns about widespread hunger and condemned Tinubu’s approach to managing the crisis.
Babalola argued, “Distributing items like garri, beans, and rice as palliatives is inadequate. This approach is creating a culture of dependency and leading us further into poverty. A government that resorts to such measures is failing its people.”
He further criticized the administration for discouraging work while failing to create conditions that would allow citizens to support themselves. “The government must create an environment conducive to work and self-sufficiency,” Babalola said.
The legal expert also linked the hunger crisis to the government’s failure to provide safety and support for agricultural activities. “The government’s primary duty is to ensure the welfare of its citizens. Instead, people are unable to work their farms due to safety concerns, leading to widespread hunger,” he explained.
In August, widespread protests erupted across Nigeria over the worsening economic conditions and rising food prices under Tinubu’s leadership. Commenting on these demonstrations, Babalola stated, “The protests were a legitimate response, and the government must heed their concerns.”
Babalola’s remarks align with a July editorial by the Financial Times, which criticized Tinubu’s policies as disjointed and detrimental, contributing to increased poverty levels.
