Govt Tasked to Address Surging Hardship
From ERIC MOORE, Port Harcourt
The three tiers of government have been tasked by Nigerians on improving their welfare, noting that the citizens are dying on daily basis as a result of the souring hardship.
According to an American-based Nigerian, Nyesom Sam Dike, despite the rich natural resources in the country, the citizens are struggling to have a meal a day.
He spoke during the burial of his 94 years old mother, Mrs. Mary Dike, held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend.
Dike lampooned Nigerian government for not doing well in terms of infrastructure and human capacity development.
The chief mourner expressed: “I am not impressed, I think Nigeria has a lot of rich natural resources, including manpower. But, the way things have deteriorated considering when I left the country, I am appalled by it.
“I hope that this government will do better because we are expecting better. We need good governance that will be able to maintain roads, to take after the people. The masses are suffering, look at power sector, everyday we are burning diesel. How can we be in the miss of plenty, yet, nothing seems to work?”
Dike described his late mother as “a wonderful woman, a disciplinarian and God fearing”, saying the memory she left behind will remain permanent in their lives no matter what part of the world they live.
He continued: “And this encourages us to work hard to achieve the best that we can. Without Mama, I wouldn’t have been where I am now. I have been away to the United States for over 40 years and is not easy. But, she constantly reminded me of my root and it never departed from me. We will miss here greatly.
Also speaking with journalists at the event, a former State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms, urged Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Boms said: “I am personally satisfied with the effort being made by the Federal Government led by Tinubu.
“I live in Rivers State; before this time, it wasn’t as good as this in terms of security, it’s better now. And let’s keep praying it gets better in the future.”
He noted the positive impact played by the deceased in the lives of many who had contact with her, saying, “She was very warm, kind and receptive to all of us who visited her house to see the son, Bethel.”
Ends.