As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Moshood Adegoke Salvador, has called on Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable for the country's worsening economic situation. In an interview with Lens Africa TV, Salvador stated that successive governments have failed to address the challenges facing ordinary citizens, including rising costs of transportation, food, and healthcare. He emphasized that the anniversary should be a time for reflection on the country's journey and an opportunity for Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.
Salvador questioned how Nigerians earning around N100,000 monthly can cope with the current economic situation, particularly with the rising cost of transportation and essential services. He noted that a significant portion of the average worker's income is now consumed by transportation, leaving little for other household needs. Salvador argued that the true measure of economic progress should be the quality of life of ordinary citizens, rather than government statistics or economic indices.
The former lawmaker emphasized that Nigeria is endowed with enormous human and natural resources capable of supporting a prosperous nation. However, he expressed concern that the benefits of these resources have not translated into improved living conditions for the majority of Nigerians. Salvador raised concerns about access to functional and affordable healthcare, stressing that citizens should not be forced into financial hardship before obtaining necessary medical treatment.
Salvador called for improved wages and better working conditions, arguing that workers' salaries should reflect the realities of the current economy. He stated that governments at all levels must prioritize policies that directly improve the welfare of citizens, including affordable healthcare, efficient transportation, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth.
The Lagos West senatorial candidate urged Nigerians to become more active in the democratic process, insisting that political leaders must be assessed based on their performance and the tangible impact of their policies on the people. He encouraged citizens to carefully consider the records, competence, and programs of candidates seeking their mandate and to use their votes to influence the direction of governance.
Salvador emphasized that political leadership should go beyond campaign promises and rhetoric, and that elected officials must be prepared to account for their stewardship, the management of public resources, and the promises made to the electorate. He stressed that the current economic hardship should encourage Nigerians to demand a new approach to governance and insist on leadership that puts the interests of ordinary citizens at the center of policymaking.
The NDC Senatorial Candidate for Lagos West maintained that Nigeria's enormous potential can only be fully realized when governance is centered on the welfare, dignity, and economic security of its citizens. He stressed that independence should mean more than freedom from colonial rule; it should also translate into a better quality of life, dignity, and opportunity for the Nigerian people.
Key points
- Former lawmaker Salvador challenges Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders
- Nigerians face economic hardship with rising costs of transportation, food, and healthcare
- Salvador calls for improved wages, better working conditions, and affordable healthcare
