By Sani Aliyu, Zaria A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Alhaji...
By Sani Aliyu, Zaria
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mustapha Adamu Ubaidullah, the Marafan Yamman Zazzau, has expressed concern over what he described as Nigeria’s lack of significant progress 66 years after independence.
Ubaidullah said Nigerians were still grappling with basic challenges relating to food security, insecurity, electricity, education, employment and justice.
He stated this in an interview with newsmen in Zaria as the country marked its Independence Day, saying the prevailing hardship made the anniversary a moment for sober reflection rather than celebration.
“After 66 years of independence, what we are experiencing is hardship, as most families cannot afford three square meals. There is high inflation and many other difficulties,” he said.
The traditional title holder lamented that the rising cost of food and other essential commodities had worsened the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians and made life increasingly difficult for many households.
Ubaidullah also questioned the country’s growing debt burden and its implications for development.
He asked how much would remain available for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, roads, agriculture, industry and job creation if substantial public resources were being devoted to debt servicing.
“More importantly, will future generations inherit productive assets from today’s borrowing—or merely inherit the bills?” he asked.
According to him, the challenges confronting Nigeria went beyond economics and could also be viewed as a crisis of leadership.
“We have had development plans, economic reforms, anti-corruption agencies, poverty-alleviation programmes and countless policy documents. We have borrowed enormous sums,” he said.
Ubaidullah urged governments at all levels to urgently introduce measures to cushion the effects of the economic hardship and restore hope to citizens.
He also advised the electorate to be more conscious and circumspect ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC chieftain urged voters to critically assess candidates before casting their ballots, stressing the need to elect leaders who, in his view, are credible, people-oriented and capable of addressing the challenges facing the country.
“Electorates must think wisely before electing leaders in the 2027 general elections. We need leaders who have the interest of the people at heart,” he advised.
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