Legal luminary Afe Babalola criticizes President Tinubu’s palliative measures, arguing they are reducing Nigerians to beggars rather than offering sustainable solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
Afe Babalola, a Nigerian Senior Advocate, has strongly criticized the palliatives provided by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He argues that these aids are turning self-sufficient Nigerians into beggars.
According to Babalola, the distribution of palliatives by the government is fostering a culture of dependence and perpetuating poverty among recipients who have no choice but to rely on aid for their existence.
During his address at Ado-Ekiti university, Babalola expressed agreement with The Patriots’ demand for a fresh Constitution.
During a visit from the Prestige Sisters League, who had come to express their gratitude, Babalola shared his thoughts. He took this opportunity to reflect on the recent hunger protests in the country and stressed upon how severe it was.
Babalola commented that the hunger protesters are truly genuine in their cause. They are experiencing actual hunger, which can prompt a person to resort to any means necessary to convey their discontentment. Therefore, as the protest was authentic and valid, it is crucial for the government to heed its message.
Babalola pointed out that the government’s prioritization of its citizens’ well-being should be paramount, and expressed disapproval over their management of the situation. He went on to emphasize that due to the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, numerous individuals have been driven away from cultivating land resulting in an aggravation of hunger crisis within the nation.
He stated that the distribution of garri, beans and rice by the government as palliatives is unacceptable. This method will only make citizens dependent on handouts and exacerbate poverty in the nation. He suggested that rather than discouraging work, the government should foster an environment where people can earn a living independently to sustain themselves.
Babalola supported The Patriots’ proposal for a new Constitution by advocating the adoption of the 1963 Constitution instead, without requiring a constitutional conference.
He highlighted that the National Anthem was reintroduced without any consultation and suggested that similar steps could be taken to revive the 1963 Constitution.
Babalola expressed his complete backing of The Patriots’ demand for a fresh Constitution. Nevertheless, he opined that organizing a constitutional convention would be unnecessary and suggested the National Assembly to retrieve and revive the 1963 Constitution instead.
