Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has described Nigerians who depend heavily on the market for food as “lazy,” while urging citizens to embrace farming as a way of tackling rising food prices.
Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, made the remarks during an interview on The Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
The senator defended the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the government cannot be solely blamed for the prices of food commodities in the market.
He questioned whether the President should be personally responsible for providing food for Nigerians.
“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.
Nwaebonyi said citizens also have responsibilities, particularly by increasing local food production.
“If you and I can produce what we eat, do we need to go to the market to buy?”
The lawmaker, who said he is also a farmer, cited his own agricultural activities as an example. According to him, 22 tubers of yam were recently brought from his farm in Ebonyi State.
He said he produces most of the food he consumes and only purchases vegetables from the market.
Nwaebonyi subsequently argued that Nigerians who have the capacity to produce their own food but choose not to do so are overly dependent on the market.
“So if you and I can produce what we eat, it’s only the lazy ones that can go to the market,” he stated.
The senator maintained that increased agricultural production would eventually lead to lower food prices by increasing supply.
He, however, acknowledged that the government has responsibilities that citizens should demand from it, including the provision of infrastructure, electricity, education and healthcare.
“There are things we must hold government accountable to do like providing the basic infrastructure. Which road is number one, power is number two, education comes in, healthcare comes in.”
Nwaebonyi also praised the Tinubu administration for its performance in infrastructure development, particularly road construction.
“Mr President has made a name in the area of infrastructure, in particular road network in Nigeria.”
The senator further rejected claims that Nigerians have become poorer under the current administration, arguing that economic difficulties are not unique to Nigeria….see more