Senator sparks outrage over ‘Lazy’ food remark
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has sparked criticism after describing Nigerians who depend on markets for food as “lazy”, while urging citizens to embrace farming as a way of addressing rising food prices.
Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, made the remarks during an interview on The Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. Although the interview was published on August 1, excerpts went viral on Friday.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has sparked criticism after describing Nigerians who depend on markets for food as “lazy”, while urging citizens to embrace farming as a way of addressing rising food prices.
Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, made the remarks during an interview on The Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. Although the interview was published on August 1, excerpts went viral on Friday.
Defending the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the senator argued that the government could not be held solely responsible for rising food prices, insisting that citizens also had a role to play in food production.
“Do you expect Tinubu to moderate the prices of garri in the market? Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?” he asked.
According to Nwaebonyi, Nigerians should produce more of the food they consume instead of relying entirely on the market.
“There are things we must do as citizens. And there are things we must hold government accountable for, such as providing basic infrastructure,” he said.
The lawmaker, who described himself as a farmer, said he produced most of the food consumed by his family.
“As I speak to you, they brought 22 tubers of yam from my farm in Ebonyi State because I am one of the best young farmers in Ebonyi State, despite being a senator.
“I produce my own food. The only thing I buy in the market is vegetables,” he said.
He added, “If you and I can produce what we eat, it is only the lazy ones that will go to the market.”
Nwaebonyi maintained that increased agricultural production by households would eventually reduce the cost of food across the country.
“Without mincing words, I can tell you that the prices of goods will come down,” he said.
The senator also argued that the President could not directly determine the prices of food items sold by traders, stressing that the government’s responsibility was to provide an enabling environment through improved infrastructure, electricity, education and healthcare.
He further defended the Tinubu administration, particularly its investment in road infrastructure, saying the government had made significant progress in expanding the country’s road network.
Nwaebonyi also dismissed claims that Nigerians had become poorer under the current administration, arguing that poverty was a global challenge and not unique to Nigeria. His remarks come amid growing public concern over soaring food prices and the rising cost of living, with many Nigerian households struggling to afford basic food items.
