We Are Already Suffering — Nigerians Slam Senate President's Eid Message Urging Sacrifice -

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has come under criticism from many Nigerians following his Eid-el-Kabir message urging citizens to continue making sacrifices for the nation.

In his Sallah message to Muslims across the country, Akpabio called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, patience and unity, describing the country’s current challenges as “a season of testing” that requires endurance and hope for a better future.

However, his remarks triggered reactions, with many Nigerians questioning how much more citizens are expected to endure amid rising inflation, economic hardship, insecurity and high living costs.

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Netizens accused political leaders of repeatedly demanding sacrifice from ordinary citizens while allegedly failing to make similar sacrifices themselves.

“How much more sacrifice do these people want from Nigerians?” Daniel Ifedayo said in a voxpop interview.

“The citizens are already sacrificing daily through hunger, unemployment and hardship and their lives wasted becauseof soaring insecurity. The leaders should also sacrifice their luxury, ” he added.

Others argued that Nigerians have continued to bear the burden of fuel subsidy removal, rising transportation costs and increasing food prices since the beginning of the current administration.

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Some also criticised what they described as a disconnect between political office holders and the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

“They keep telling people to endure while public officials continue to live comfortably,” Bayo Lawal, a civil servant reacted.

“We are celebrating Salah, but the reality is that there’s nothing available for us to use in celebrating it because no money to buy what is needed. But they are there, enjoying life while we are here suffering away. It’s not fair. Those leaders should fear Allah whom they claim to serve,” he lamented.

Akpabio, in the message released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, had urged Nigerians to pray for peace, security and prosperity, while also calling for support for the less privileged during the Eid celebration.

The Senate President stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is based on the belief that meaningful national progress requires collective sacrifice from both leaders and citizens.

The Senate President felicitated with President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Muslim faithful on behalf of his family, constituents, and the National Assembly, praying that the lessons of compassion, sacrifice, and generosity associated with Eid strengthen national unity and peace.