[TOP STORIES]: Afe Babalola Criticizes Federal Government for Turning Nigerians into Beggars, Calls for New Constitution

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Legal luminary Afe Babalola has accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of leading citizens into poverty and turning them into beggars through its recent distribution of palliatives. Babalola expressed his concerns during a public function on Thursday, August 16, where he criticized the government’s response to the current economic hardship.

Babalola pointed out that the growing hunger in the country is driving people to desperation. "Those who are complaining about hunger are doing so sincerely. They are hungry. A hungry man can go to any length to show his anger," he said. He urged the government to take the protests seriously, emphasizing that the role of the government is to ensure the welfare of its people.

He further criticized the distribution of basic food items like garri, beans, and rice as palliatives, stating that this approach was turning Nigerians into beggars and discouraging them from working. "The government that is giving the people rice and beans is leading us to poverty," Babalola argued, insisting that the government should instead focus on providing an environment where citizens can work and sustain themselves.

In addition, Babalola addressed the recent calls for constitutional reform, expressing his agreement with the need for a new constitution. However, he disagreed with the idea of holding a constitutional conference, suggesting that the government should instead revert to the 1963 constitution, which he noted was created with the input of all Nigerians. "The parliament should bring back the 1963 [constitution] and reenact it," he concluded