Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), voiced agreement with former Vice President Peter Obi's recent criticism, stating that it is shameful for Nigeria to accept food donations from war-torn Ukraine. Governor Bago reiterated Obi's sentiments during a Leadership Award ceremony at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where both leaders were honored.
Addressing Mr. Obi, Governor Bago emphasized the validity of his comments, saying, "You are very right on what you’ve said. We have no reason to be poor. People may not like you, but they must hear you. What you say is the gospel truth." The governor further echoed Obi's stance, asserting, "It is time we tell ourselves the basic truth. We need to feed ourselves. It is a shame for people like Ukraine in war to be giving us food."
Governor Bago emphasized the importance of productivity and self-sufficiency, rejecting the idea of handouts and palliative measures. The comments come in the wake of Ukraine's recent donation of 25,000 tonnes of wheat as emergency food assistance to Nigeria, a gesture criticized by both Obi and Governor Bago. However, Information Minister Mohammed Idris defended the acceptance of donations from war-ravaged Ukraine, stating that it does not label Nigeria as a failed state. The conflicting perspectives highlight a broader discourse on national self-sufficiency and the implications of foreign aid.
