ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — A Nigerian human rights lawyer has condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio for declaring that hunger no longer exists in Nigeria, calling the statement “insensitive” and “disconnected from reality.”
Akpabio made the remark while addressing Nigerians living abroad, urging them to return home because, according to him, the country had overcome hunger. His comments sparked swift backlash amid ongoing economic hardship and rising food insecurity.
Maduabuchi Idam, a prominent activist lawyer, issued a statement Tuesday criticizing Akpabio’s remarks as a “mockery” of millions of Nigerians struggling to survive. “His comment is yet another unguarded and insensitive mockery of citizens grappling with the harsh realities of survival,” Idam said.
The lawyer accused the Senate President of being out of touch with the everyday experiences of ordinary Nigerians. “We know he lives miles away from the average Nigerian’s living condition, but that should not be rubbed in our faces,” he added.
Nigeria has been facing mounting economic challenges, including inflation, high unemployment, and widespread poverty. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 130 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, with food insecurity affecting large swaths of the population.
Idam said Akpabio’s statement was not only provocative but also humiliating to those enduring economic hardship. “Such unguided statements are dehumanizing and humiliating to the sensibilities of the multitude of Nigerians,” he said.
The lawyer also linked the country’s hunger crisis to poor economic management, blaming leadership failures for the deteriorating living conditions. “Those whose stomachs are full should not assume they are smarter than others who are hungry,” he said.
Akpabio has not responded publicly to the criticism. His office did not immediately return requests for comment.
The controversy has reignited public debate over the disconnect between Nigeria’s political elite and the general population. Civil society groups and commentators have called for greater empathy and accountability from elected officials.
As Nigerians continue to face economic uncertainty, critics say political leaders must be more measured in their public statements and focus on policies that address the root causes of poverty and hunger.
