I am very sure that Buhari is confused — Ezekwesili

Oby Ezekwesili/Image sourced from 360nobs

How does it feel to be called the world's headquarter for extreme poverty? Certainly not a good title for a country so richly blessed. The truth is, Nigeria is not a poor country, but has over half of its population languishing in extreme poverty. What then is the problem? Corruption you say?

Nigeria's leaders aren't ignorant to the fact that Nigeria has poor people all over the country especially in the north. Surely, you haven't forgotten that the APC government during its campaign ahead of 2015 election, promised to pay N5000 stipend to Nigerians living in extreme poverty.



The vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, even claimed that over 100 million Nigerians live in poverty. If the government which constantly refutes negative claims against its government, admits the country is being ravaged by poverty, who are you to argue?

The real issue is not actually the existence of poverty in the country however, but the measures taken to address the problem. President Mohammadu Buhari had pledged in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, that one key agenda of his 'next level' Government will be to move 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within the next 10 years.



The president even hinted that databases of poor and vulnerable Nigerians, as well as that of unemployed youths, were being developed by the Federal Government to address the problem of socio-economic inequality in the society.

“China and Indonesia succeeded under authoritarian regimes. India succeeded in a democratic setting. We can do it,” Buhari said

“With leadership and a sense of purpose, we can lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years,” he added.



However, a few months down the line it appears the president's policies are reminiscent of his last 4 years which many said was responsible for the current poverty dilemma plaguing the country.

Former presidential candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Oby Ezekwesili, appeared very concerned about the Buhari's administration policies which according to her, will only worsen the condition of Nigerians by taking poverty in the country to the next level.

Child Poverty is even worst in a country that holds the ignoble record of being the World’s Capital of Extremely Poor People, our @NGRPresident @MBuhari should be fleeing from Policies that ESCALATE Poverty.

The @cenbank #MilkBanPolicy is DANGEROUS. Dangerous for the Poor.

— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) July 26, 2019

The presidential candidate in a series of tweet, expressed sadness that Buhari who copied her manifesto aimed at lifting 80 million Nigerians out of poverty, is pursuing a "dangerous" policy that'll escalate poverty in the country.

She said, "Child Poverty is even worst in a country that holds the ignoble record of being the World’s Capital of Extremely Poor People, our President Mohammadu Buhari should be fleeing from Policies that ESCALATE Poverty.



"The Central Bank's Milk Ban Policy is DANGEROUS. Dangerous for the Poor.

The Nigerian Central Bank is aiming to ban the importation of milk into the country. Whether or not the CBN's move has the stamp of the Federal Government is unknown. It is believed however, that Buhari's silence means he is in support of the latest policy which critics like the former minister of education, say is dangerous and stands to hurt the most vulnerable people in the society.