By Francis Sadhere, Delta
A Niger Delta-born human rights and development advocate, Mulade Sheriff, has raised alarm over worsening economic hardship in the country, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive steps to address hunger, poverty, and insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians.
Mulade made the appeal in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday, where he decried what he described as the growing neglect of citizens’ welfare amid increasing political activities ahead of future elections.
According to him, Nigerians are “dying silently and publicly” as a result of hunger and economic hardship, urging leaders to prioritize governance over political ambitions.
“We must rise above the challenges and stop the avoidable deaths of Nigerians on a daily basis because of leadership failure towards citizens’ welfare and protection,” he said.
The United Nations Peace Ambassador noted that while many parts of the country are grappling with insecurity and economic strain, the Niger Delta region has remained relatively stable due to ongoing youth engagement initiatives.
He attributed this calm to pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to private firms such as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, which he said have helped provide jobs and reduce restiveness among youths.
Mulade warned that without such interventions, insecurity in the region could have escalated beyond current levels, potentially worsening Nigeria’s economic situation.
“If not for these engagements, the insecurity situation in the region would have been worse than what we are witnessing in other parts of the country, with serious implications for the nation’s economy,” he added.
The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom therefore urged the Federal Government to sustain the surveillance contracts, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He further stressed that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, warning that public confidence in leadership is declining due to perceived inaction on pressing national issues.
Mulade cautioned that continued focus on political power at the expense of economic stability and citizens’ welfare could deepen public distrust and worsen the nation’s challenges.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act now to save Nigerians and prevent further deterioration. We must strive to become truly the economic giant of Africa, not just in population and landmass,” he said.
A Niger Delta-born human rights and development advocate, Mulade Sheriff, has raised alarm over worsening economic hardship in the country, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive steps to address hunger, poverty, and insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians.
Mulade made the appeal in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday, where he decried what he described as the growing neglect of citizens’ welfare amid increasing political activities ahead of future elections.
According to him, Nigerians are “dying silently and publicly” as a result of hunger and economic hardship, urging leaders to prioritize governance over political ambitions.
“We must rise above the challenges and stop the avoidable deaths of Nigerians on a daily basis because of leadership failure towards citizens’ welfare and protection,” he said.
The United Nations Peace Ambassador noted that while many parts of the country are grappling with insecurity and economic strain, the Niger Delta region has remained relatively stable due to ongoing youth engagement initiatives.
He attributed this calm to pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to private firms such as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, which he said have helped provide jobs and reduce restiveness among youths.
Mulade warned that without such interventions, insecurity in the region could have escalated beyond current levels, potentially worsening Nigeria’s economic situation.
“If not for these engagements, the insecurity situation in the region would have been worse than what we are witnessing in other parts of the country, with serious implications for the nation’s economy,” he added.
The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom therefore urged the Federal Government to sustain the surveillance contracts, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He further stressed that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, warning that public confidence in leadership is declining due to perceived inaction on pressing national issues.
Mulade cautioned that continued focus on political power at the expense of economic stability and citizens’ welfare could deepen public distrust and worsen the nation’s challenges.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act now to save Nigerians and prevent further deterioration. We must strive to become truly the economic giant of Africa, not just in population and landmass,” he said.
