The Obidient Movement has criticised a recent comment by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, saying the Presidency cannot deny the reality of hunger and insecurity facing Nigerians.
The group was reacting to Onanuga’s remark during an interview, in which he said he “does not see the level of hunger people are complaining about.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Media and Communication Directorate and titled, ‘From Renewed Hope to Renewed Denial: Tinubu’s Government Cannot Wish Away the Hunger and Insecurity Facing Nigerians’, the movement described the comment as insensitive and disconnected from the realities confronting ordinary citizens.
The statement read: “The Obidient Movement strongly condemns the recent statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Arise TV that he ‘does not see the level of hunger people are complaining about.’ Such a remark is a profound insult to millions of Nigerians struggling daily to survive.
“More importantly, it confirms what many citizens already believe: this administration is dangerously detached from the realities confronting the people it governs.
“At a time when families are skipping meals, businesses are shutting down, and insecurity continues to ravage communities, such denial is both insensitive and irresponsible.
“Unfortunately, it underscores the gross insensitivity and disdain that the current government have towards Nigerians who continue to suffer as a result of this government’s rudderless leadership.
“Before the APC assumed power in 2015, Nigeria certainly had challenges, but basic necessities remained within the reach of ordinary citizens. A bag of rice sold for about N8,500, bread for about N150, a crate of eggs for about N300, while the naira exchanged at roughly N197 to the US dollar. Small businesses survived, and millions could still afford basic food.
“Ironically, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu led protests against President Goodluck Jonathan, repeatedly calling for his resignation over what he described as failed governance. Today, Nigeria’s economic realities are far worse.
“Those who thought the Buhari years represented the lowest point in governance have watched this government surpass even those dismal expectations, thereby becoming the new S.I. Unit for kakistocracy in history. The facts speak for themselves.”
