Former Niger State lawmaker, Malik Madaki Bosso, has appealed to political leaders to show compassion toward Nigerians who are currently grappling with severe economic hardship as the nation marks its 26th Democracy Day celebration.
Bosso, who previously represented Bosso constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly, expressed deep concern that despite repeated promises of "dividends of democracy," many Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty and deprivation.
In a statement made available to journalists in Minna, the former lawmaker warned that citizens may lose faith in democratic governance if their living conditions do not improve significantly.
Nothing to Celebrate
"While wishing that Democracy Day be celebrated with pomp, such a wish cannot be achieved because there is nothing to be celebrated," Bosso stated.
He pointed out that following the removal of fuel subsidies, citizens have been forced to provide basic necessities for themselves, including security, electricity, water, education, healthcare, and shelter—services that should ordinarily be the responsibility of the government.
"To prevent social disorder, my advice is that the current leadership should prioritize the welfare of citizens and implement policies that alleviate their suffering," he emphasized.
Food Security Concerns
Bosso also raised alarm about Nigeria's food security agenda, noting that it might be unattainable due to poor policies and inadequate incentives for farmers.
"While prices of raw foods are crashing in the markets, which is commendable, prices of agricultural inputs like fertilizers, agrochemicals, seeds, and machinery are crazily going up out of the reach of farmers," he observed.
The former legislator warned that this contradictory scenario poses a significant threat to the country's food production, as many smallholder farmers who produce most of the nation's food may be unable to farm during the current farming season.
He further highlighted the persistent challenge of insecurity in farming communities, stating that "large chunks of land are presently in the hands of bandits and terrorists," further complicating agricultural activities.
As Nigeria continues to navigate these challenges, Bosso's call serves as a reminder of the fundamental purpose of democratic governance—to serve the people and improve their living conditions.
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