LAGOS, Nigeria (FN) — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George has reignited national debate after claiming that his children are unable to secure employment in Nigeria due to the stigma attached to his name — a legacy he says stems from past political controversies and public perception.
Speaking during a live interview, the former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP lamented the state of youth unemployment and economic hardship. “Today in Nigeria, everywhere there is hunger and anger,” George said. “Graduates are floating, no future, no hope; non-graduates are doing nothing.”
George called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a special youth empowerment fund and micro-credit schemes to support both skilled and unskilled young Nigerians. “I suggested that Mr. President should set up a special fund to ensure that those guys who didn’t train in any skill can be empowered,” he said.
He also criticized the First Lady’s recent initiative to build a national library through public donations, arguing that such projects should be funded by wealthy donors and corporate entities. “That fund should have been by the President asking these people in the banks, those who donated N20 billion in two days, to give that money,” George remarked.
On a personal note, George revealed that his children, despite graduating years ago, have faced repeated rejection from employers. “They can’t get a job because their name is Bode George,” he said, suggesting that political affiliations and public perception have created barriers for his family.
The stigma he refers to is rooted in his 2009 conviction on charges related to contract splitting and abuse of office during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Although the Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 2013, ruling that the charges were not criminal offenses under Nigerian law, the public perception of wrongdoing has persisted. His name remains polarizing, particularly in Lagos politics, where his long-standing rivalry with President Tinubu and his role in the PDP have made him a lightning rod for criticism.
In a brief statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency acknowledged George’s concerns but dismissed the notion that political identity alone could hinder employment. “The administration is focused on creating equal opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of background or affiliation,” the statement read.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu described George’s remarks as “deeply personal but reflective of broader systemic issues.” He added that the Senate is currently reviewing proposals for a national youth enterprise fund and emphasized the need for bipartisan support to address unemployment. “We must move beyond party lines to solve the real problems facing Nigerian youth,” he said.
Civil society organizations have weighed in, with some expressing sympathy and others calling for introspection. The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) noted that George’s experience highlights the dangers of politicized public perception and the need for merit-based recruitment. Meanwhile, youth advocacy groups have renewed calls for transparency in hiring practices and the depoliticization of public and private sector employment.
On social media, reactions have been mixed. While some users empathized with George’s family, others questioned whether political elites fully understand the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. Hashtags like #NameStigma and #YouthJobsNow trended briefly on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the intensity of the debate.
Despite the controversy, George’s comments have reignited national discourse on youth unemployment, political legacy, and the need for inclusive economic reform.
