Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has sparked outrage after labelling Nigerians who depend on markets for food as “lazy.”
The Ebonyi North senator made the controversial comment while appearing on The Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
Nwaebonyi was defending President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies when he urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for producing their own food.
He questioned why Nigerians expect the President to control food prices or provide food for their families.
“Do you expect Tinubu to moderate the prices of garri in the market? Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?” he asked.
The senator said he personally farms and produces much of the food he eats.
He disclosed that 22 tubers of yam were recently brought from his farm in Ebonyi State.
Nwaebonyi argued that Nigerians who have access to land but still depend on markets for food are simply unwilling to farm.
He said increased agricultural production would help reduce food prices.
The lawmaker also maintained that the government’s duty is to provide infrastructure, electricity, education and healthcare, rather than dictate market prices.
Defending the Tinubu administration, Nwaebonyi pointed to its investment in road infrastructure.
He also argued that economic hardship is not peculiar to Nigeria, noting that poverty exists even in countries such as the United States.
His comments have triggered heated reactions online, coming amid soaring food prices, inflation and growing concerns over the cost of living.
Many Nigerians have questioned the senator’s remarks, particularly the description of citizens struggling to afford food as “lazy.”
