society
Opposition Parties Slam President Tinubu Over Viral Video of Long Queues at Bourdillon; Accuse APC of Weaponizing Poverty
Opposition Parties Slam President Tinubu Over Viral Video of Long Queues at Bourdillon; Accuse APC of Weaponizing Poverty
Nigeria’s opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others, have launched scathing attacks on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the country’s worsening poverty levels, following the viral circulation of a video showing long lines of Nigerians queuing for foodstuffs at President Bola Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos on Christmas Eve.
The video, which quickly garnered widespread attention, depicted a mammoth crowd gathered on Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, seeking food handouts from the President. The footage, shared by Senator Ali Ndume, highlighted the economic struggles faced by millions of Nigerians, as the holiday season starkly revealed the depth of poverty and hardship across the country.
Opposition Reacts: Calls for Accountability
Senator Ndume, a member of the ruling APC, described the video as a sobering reflection of the state of poverty in the nation. He remarked, “Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality. Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions.”
However, the opposition parties were quick to seize on the incident, with the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemning the ruling party for exacerbating poverty in Nigeria. “It’s sad that the APC is turning more Nigerians into beggars by the day. The statistics are out there for everyone to see,” he stated, pointing out that the poverty rate in Nigeria had become unbearable for many citizens.
Ifoh further criticized the APC government for its inability to address the increasing cost of living, citing the high price of food items, including a bag of rice that now costs over N100,000. “There is hunger in the land,” he said, emphasizing the widespread discontent with the ruling government’s economic policies.
Peter Obi: A Stark Contrast to Nigeria’s Potential
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also joined the criticism, expressing concern over the growing poverty under President Tinubu’s administration. Speaking through his media aide, Obi said, “It’s heartbreaking to see a nation with such potential struggling to provide for its people. The lack of effective governance is evident in the government’s failure to provide basic necessities and opportunities for its citizens.”
Obi’s remarks highlighted the deepening divide between Nigeria’s vast potential and the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens under the current administration.
PDP’s Timothy Osadolor: A Warning to the Political Elite
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, accused President Tinubu’s administration of “weaponizing poverty” to suppress the masses. “Nigerians need to beg with a pleading hand to survive,” Osadolor said, expressing frustration at the government’s inability to address the mounting hunger and unemployment in the country.
Osadolor warned that the situation could lead to greater social unrest. “A time may come when people will stop begging for food and will go after the political elites, especially members of the APC, who have caused the hardship,” he cautioned.
Young People’s Party: Urgent Review Needed
Egbeola Martins, National Publicity Secretary of the Young People’s Party, added his voice to the condemnation, saying, “Things have never been this bad.” Martins called for an urgent review of the APC government’s economic policies, particularly the subsidy removal, which he argued had exasperated the suffering of Nigerians.
APC Defends Tinubu’s Actions
In response to the backlash, the APC dismissed the opposition’s criticisms, arguing that the President’s charitable actions were nothing new. Bala Ibrahim, the APC National Publicity Director, defended Tinubu’s longstanding reputation for generosity, stating, “Tinubu has been doing this for ages. This is not the first time he is doing it. But now that he is the President, it has become extremely conspicuous.”
Ibrahim pointed out that the President had been helping people in need long before his ascension to office and urged critics to understand that Tinubu’s actions were motivated by a desire to help others. He also accused the opposition of trying to mischaracterize Tinubu’s intentions to “incite Nigerians against the President.”
The Bigger Picture: A Nation in Crisis
As Nigeria grapples with a spiraling economic crisis, the sight of long queues at Bourdillon has become a symbol of the nation’s distress. The ruling government’s inability to alleviate widespread poverty and hunger has led to intense public scrutiny. With the international community highlighting Nigeria’s soaring poverty rate, critics continue to call for more effective governance and policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, rather than fostering dependence on handouts.
The questions remain: Will the APC be able to address the economic crisis, or will the frustration of the masses boil over, as opposition parties continue to push for change?
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.
Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.
He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.
While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.
The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.
Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.
Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice
The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.
Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.
The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.
“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”
The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.
In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.
“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”
Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.
As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.
Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.
Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims
As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.
In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.
“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.
I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”
Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth