Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has criticized the Federal Government’s distribution of palliatives, saying it reduces Nigerians to beggars and drives them deeper into poverty.
He also supported the call by the Patriots for a new constitution, advocating for the reenactment of the 1963 Constitution.
Aare Babalola made these remarks during a visit from the Prestige Sisters League at the ABUAD campus on Monday.
He expressed concern over the recent protests across the country, stating that the protests are a genuine reflection of the widespread hunger and poverty among Nigerians.
Protests Reflect Genuine Hunger
Speaking on the nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardship, Babalola said, “Those who are complaining about hunger are doing so sincerely.
They are hungry. A hungry man can go to any length to show his anger. We do not need anybody to tell us about hunger in the country. The protest was genuine, and the government should listen to them.”
He emphasized that the primary duty of the government is the welfare of the people, noting that the current security challenges have exacerbated the situation by preventing people from engaging in farming and other means of livelihood.
Palliative Distribution Criticized
Babalola took a firm stance against the government’s approach to palliative distribution, arguing that it is counterproductive and undermines the dignity of Nigerians.
“It is wrong for the government to be sharing garri, beans, and rice as palliatives. They are turning the people into beggars,” he stated.
He added, “The government that is giving the people rice and beans is leading us to poverty.
The government is discouraging people from working, whereas the government must provide the people with an enabling environment for people to work and feed themselves.”
Call for New Constitution
In support of the Patriots’ call for a new constitution, Babalola proposed that Nigeria does not need to go through a constitutional conference.
Instead, he urged the parliament to reenact the 1963 Constitution, which he believes better reflects the will of the people.
“I read the publication of the Patriots visiting President Tinubu, and I am in full agreement with them. We need a new constitution. But I do not agree that we should go through any constitutional conference,” Babalola said.
He continued, “Recently, you are aware that President Bola Tinubu asked us to go back to the old National Anthem; there was no conference for it before it was passed by the National Assembly and assented by the President.
The 1963 constitution was the one made by all of us. By the same token, the parliament should bring back the 1963 Constitution and reenact it.”
Government Urged to Act
Babalola’s comments come at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, security issues, and public discontent.
His call for a new constitution and a more sustainable approach to addressing hunger and poverty has resonated with many Nigerians who are seeking lasting solutions to the country’s problems.
