Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has called on President Bola Tinubu to personally embrace the sacrifices he expects from Nigerians, especially as the nation faces worsening economic conditions.
During an interview with News Central, the human rights advocate criticized the president’s economic policies, arguing that they have only deepened financial hardship for citizens.
“If I had the chance to speak with him, I would urge him to first understand and embody the concept of sacrifice before demanding it from Nigerians,” she remarked.
Ezekwesili, who also served as Minister of Solid Minerals, attributed the country’s persistent electricity crisis to the mismanagement of the power sector’s privatization.
She claimed that rather than solving Nigeria’s energy problems, the process placed control in the hands of politically connected individuals with little knowledge of the sector.
“The entire privatization effort was flawed. It turned into a free-for-all for political opportunists and unqualified individuals,” she stated.
Highlighting the significance of the 2027 elections, Ezekwesili urged Nigerians to take an active role in shaping the country’s future.
She pointed to the controversies of the 2023 polls as a lesson, alleging that the judicial system has been compromised, making it difficult for citizens to seek redress.
“We witnessed the irregularities of 2023, and their response was simply, ‘go to court.’ Why? Because they have taken control of the judiciary. Nigerians must realize that this nation is worth saving,” she concluded.