Shehu Sani, a former senator and member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has lamented Nigeria’s deepening hunger crisis, blaming it not on nature but on failed leadership and lack of compassion.
Citing a recent report by the United Nations warning that 34 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger, the outspoken lawmaker said the crisis is not rooted in climate change or lack of resources but in the failure of those entrusted with national wealth.
“The UN reported that 34 million Nigerians are at the risk of hunger. The difference between hunger in Nigeria and that of other poorer countries is that Nigeria’s hunger is not about lack of resources or climatic factors; it’s about lack of humanity, empathy, vision, and will in the hearts of those who have been in custody of its resources,” Shehu Sani posted on his verified X account.
“A nation with over 200 rivers and 95% arable land should have no business with hunger.”
The post, widely shared across social media, drew a wave of criticism from Nigerians who accused Sani of hypocrisy, noting that he had served in the Senate and is now affiliated with the same party under which the situation has worsened.
“Indeed, hunger should be alien to Nigerians. If all the former and serving presidents, governors, senators, ministers, state assembly members… can refund just 50% of what they took away… Nigerians will be the richest in the world,” wrote activist Mahdi Shehu, who estimated a potential N990 trillion could be recovered if looted public funds were returned.
@CroBender pointed out the irony, saying, “And very many, including your good self, who had opportunities to effect a change did not lift a finger, instead choose to perpetuate the corruption and irresponsibility that brought us to where we are today.”
Others addressed the roots of the crisis, with @SabinaNkiru writing, “A nation with over 200 rivers and 95% arable land and over 4 different terrorist groups, each actively killing farmers and burning and destroying farms, have very serious business with hunger.”
The public backlash was not only directed at systemic issues but also at Shehu Sani’s perceived complicity as part of the political class. @FaroukPseudonym asked bluntly, “Oga, you are now a member of the ruling party, and you have also served as a senator. So, what are you doing, alongside your party, to solve this problem?”
Another user, @Arkiteck_, didn’t mince words: “Non-Nigerians will think you are not involved while you are one of the major culprits involved in this crime against humanity.”
Some contributors, however, agreed with the senator’s broader point, stressing the role of insecurity and government neglect. “The major problem is insecurity caused by herdsmen. Farmers can’t freely go to their farms. Make we start to tell ourselves the truth,” wrote @kelechiokonkwo8.
The sharp rebuke of government failure by a sitting member of the APC is seen by many as a rare act of internal dissent, though critics argue it amounts to mere rhetoric without concrete action.
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