Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), a renowned legal expert and the founder of Afe Babalola University, has expressed strong disapproval of the federal government’s method of tackling hunger in Nigeria. He contends that providing food aid isn’t a solution but instead turns Nigerians into dependents.
During a recent visit from the Prestige Sisters League, Babalola highlighted the escalating issues of hunger and insecurity affecting the nation, noting a worrying development: numerous farmers have left their lands due to safety concerns.
“The pleas of those enduring hunger are sincere and deeply felt,” he remarked. “When a person is hungry, they can resort to desperate actions.”
In their struggle to survive, many Nigerians are compelled to sleep in cars or deserted buildings in Abuja, a vivid reflection of the harsh conditions they endure.
“Hunger is clearly a pervasive issue in our streets. The demonstrations calling for improved living conditions are justified, and the government needs to address their grievances,” he urged.
The foremost responsibility of any government is to safeguard the well-being of its citizens. However, we are confronted with a worrisome situation: individuals are unable to travel freely, hindered by the threat of violence. Numerous people have abandoned their agricultural lands due to intimidation and assaults, making us susceptible to extensive hunger.
Babalola criticized the government’s strategy on palliatives, expressing concern, “Providing garri, beans, and rice merely sustains a cycle of dependency. This does not combat hunger but fosters poverty and a lack of motivation for self-sufficiency. Rather than encouraging people to be industrious, the government is unintentionally deterring them.”
Babalola, echoing the views expressed by the Emeka Anyaoku-led Patriots group, emphasized the pressing necessity for a new constitution. He opposed the idea of a constitutional conference, proposing instead that the National Assembly could reestablish the esteemed 1963 Constitution to return to governance that meets the people’s requirements.
“I completely support the stance of the Patriots who met with President Tinubu, advocating for the creation of a new Constitution. Nonetheless, I think we can avoid drawn-out conferences. Much like how President Bola Tinubu recently reinstated our old National Anthem with ease, we can also bring back the 1963 Constitution, which was designed for all Nigerians. Our parliament should now make that decisive move.”
