Joe Igbokwe, a well-known supporter of President Bola Tinubu and a leading figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that the people who will save Nigeria from its current crises have not yet been born.
Igbokwe made this controversial statement on Friday, expressing his deep frustration over the rising cost of living in the country. He spoke about the escalating prices of essential goods and services, notably the shocking price of rice, which has now crossed ₦100,000 for a single bag.
“With all the rice mills we have in Nigeria, my wife just told me that a bag of rice is now ₦100k plus,” Igbokwe lamented in a post on his Facebook page.
“Without sounding immodest, I am constrained to say that the men and women that will rescue this country from self-inflicted pains and tears are not born yet,” he added.
His statement reflects the growing concerns many Nigerians have about the rising cost of food, fuel, and other basic needs. Despite his long-standing support for Tinubu and the APC, Igbokwe has begun to voice criticism over some of the government’s policies.
Igbokwe, who has served under various Lagos governors since 1999, has been known for his passionate defense of APC policies and leadership, including his outspoken support for President Tinubu during the buildup to the 2023 election.
However, in recent weeks, his tone has shifted as Nigeria faces severe economic challenges, which have seen prices soar, making life difficult for ordinary Nigerians.
His most recent post about the price of rice is particularly troubling for many Nigerians, as rice is a staple food across the country. The price of a bag of rice rising above ₦100,000 has shocked many households and raised alarms about the ability of families to cope with the rising cost of living.
“Rice is an essential food in almost every Nigerian home, especially during festive periods. But now, it is beyond the reach of the average Nigerian,” said Mrs. Amina Suleiman, a resident of Lagos.
She added: “People are really suffering, and the government needs to do something fast to ease the pressure on the masses.”
For a long time, Igbokwe remained loyal to the APC and President Tinubu. However, recent events have pushed him to voice his dissatisfaction with certain government actions.
Just two weeks ago, Igbokwe publicly criticized the hike in electricity tariffs, calling on President Tinubu to urgently address the issue. He expressed concern that the increased cost of electricity would suffocate businesses and individuals already grappling with the high cost of living.
In another Facebook post, Igbokwe lamented how N20,000 worth of electricity units lasted him just one day in his Surulere office, due to the new tariff system.
He said: “PBAT (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), please look into the new electricity tariff in Nigeria. It will kill businesses if the government does not act as quickly as possible. I have a small office in Surulere with about seven units of AC. We used to buy 300 plus units for ₦20,000. Yesterday, we bought ₦20,000 worth of units and it lasted for just one day.”
