Things Are Getting Worse’ – Peller Calls For Immediate Opposition Unity To Tackle Nigeria’s Challenges

Speaking to journalists after the 7th Annual Shina Peller Ramadan Lecture/Iftar at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan on Sunday, Peller lamented the worsening state of the nation, highlighting the widespread hunger among the people. He emphasized that Nigeria’s current situation calls for a strong opposition to hold the present administration accountable.

Peller remarked, “We all know the current state of the nation; the country is in bad shape. There is hunger in the land. It’s undeniable and evident to everyone. I have connections with ordinary people—market traders, religious leaders—and I can tell you, categorically, that there is hunger. People are unhappy, and you know a hungry person is an angry person.”

He added, “Things are getting worse daily, and it’s unclear what the government will do to address it. The most troubling part is the loss of freedom of speech. People are afraid to speak out, and those who do are persecuted. Just look at the case of the corps member who spoke her mind, and now she’s being pressured to take down the video.”

Peller stressed that it was time for Nigerians to set aside personal ambitions and focus on saving the country. “Nigeria is at a critical stage where people must prioritize the national interest over personal goals. Whether there is a merger or not, the opposition must come together and form a strong front,” he said.

He further called for a functional opposition to provide constructive criticism of the government, asserting that Nigeria is not a one-party state and democracy thrives with a vibrant opposition.