Muhammad Basheer Hotoro
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Chief Toyin Amuzu, has urged Nigerians to peacefully resist policies and leadership decisions that continue to deepen poverty across the country.
Amuzu made the call in his New Year message delivered in Abeokuta, where he said the economic hardship facing Nigerians has moved beyond statistics to become a daily reality for millions of families struggling to survive.
According to him, poverty in Nigeria is not accidental but the result of years of wrong policies, weak governance and misplaced priorities.
“Another year has begun, but for millions of Nigerians, yesterday’s suffering has simply followed us into today. Poverty has been manufactured, managed and sustained by poor policies and lack of accountability,” he said.
The PDP stalwart described the current situation as unacceptable for a country endowed with abundant human and natural resources, noting that citizens are bearing the consequences of economic mismanagement and corruption.
He lamented the rising cost of food, transportation, healthcare and education, stressing that stagnant wages and limited opportunities have eroded the dignity of ordinary Nigerians.
“People are working harder yet getting poorer. Graduates are unemployed, traders cannot restock their shops, and families are forced to choose between feeding and educating their children,” Amuzu stated.
He urged Nigerians not to normalize hardship or succumb to despair, emphasizing that democracy gives power to the people to demand accountability from leaders.
“To resist poverty is to resist silence. Nigerians must ask questions, reject empty promises and hold leaders at all levels responsible for their actions,” he said.
While calling for peaceful civic engagement, Amuzu encouraged citizens to organize, speak out through lawful means and support leaders and policies that prioritize job creation, social protection and inclusive growth.
He also challenged those in government to view leadership as a call to service rather than personal gain, stressing that governance should focus on lifting citizens out of poverty.
Amuzu reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to providing constructive opposition and alternative solutions aimed at rebuilding the economy and restoring hope, particularly for youths and small business owners.
He concluded by urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, expressing hope that 2026 would mark a turning point in the nation’s collective consciousness.
