The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has acknowledged the widespread suffering in Nigeria, and stated that it is no longer news.
He made these remarks at the “25 Years of Unbroken Democracy” lecture and awards event in Abuja, where he engaged in a heated debate with human rights activist Mike Ozekhome and Senator Shehu Sani.
Wike said: “Who doesn’t know that Nigerians are suffering? That is no longer a story, and we must know the difference between theory and practice. Mr President knows there is a problem; that is why he launched the New Hope Agenda because he knows we have lost hope, but he must work hard to restore hope to Nigerians.”
He stressed that the government was aware of the problem and urged action to address it.
Wike’s statement came in response to Ozekhome’s gloomy assessment of Nigeria’s democratic system and the plight of its citizens.
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Ozekhome criticized the country’s democratic system, saying: “Of course, we have a civil government, but I am not very sure that it is a democracy in the true sense. Democracy means the people choose or choose their leaders; the votes are counted and allowed to count. When this happens then we can say that the people have chosen or chosen their leader. The people become dogs, and those who are elected become the tail. The tail can’t move the dog.”
He painted a grim picture of the current state of Nigeria, saying: “Nigerians are suffering. No one should deceive the president. There is mass poverty, degradation and anger in the country. Don’t let your minders tell you otherwise. Disguise yourself one night, go out and see the anger and hunger in the country. People are angry because fuel has gone from N192 a litre to between N650 and N800. Small-scale industries, which are usually the lifeblood of a country, are almost dead. Who can afford fuel to run small generators for barbing?”
Wike’s acknowledgment of Nigeria’s plight highlights the need for dialogue and constructive action to address the country’s challenges.
He urged the government to work hard to restore hope to Nigerians, stressing that the president’s New Hope Agenda was a step in the right direction.
The debate featured contrasting views on Nigeria’s democratic progress and the need for collective efforts to address the country’s woes.
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