Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Weng Global
Former Cross River State Governor and presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has warned that Nigeria is facing a critical moment that requires urgent intervention to prevent what he described as a looming national disaster.
Duke said the country’s worsening economic hardship, persistent insecurity, declining public confidence in governance, and rising poverty levels have created conditions that demand immediate and decisive action from political leaders and institutions.
Speaking during a recent public engagement, the former governor expressed concern over the direction of the nation, stressing that Nigerians are struggling under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
He argued that unless comprehensive reforms are implemented quickly, the country’s social and economic challenges could deepen further.
Economic hardship worsening
According to Duke, many Nigerian families are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs due to soaring food prices and the high cost of essential goods and services.
He noted that while governments around the world face economic challenges, Nigeria’s situation has become particularly severe because of structural weaknesses that have accumulated over several years.
The former governor maintained that economic policies should be designed with ordinary citizens in mind, ensuring that growth translates into improved living standards.
He said government efforts should prioritize job creation, industrial development, agricultural expansion, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Duke added that sustainable economic recovery requires consistent policies that encourage investment while protecting vulnerable Nigerians from the harsh effects of economic reforms.
Insecurity remains a major concern
Addressing security challenges, Duke lamented the continued incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and other forms of criminality affecting different parts of the country.
He said insecurity has disrupted farming activities, discouraged investment, and forced thousands of people to flee their communities.
According to him, restoring peace and security should remain one of the government’s highest priorities because no nation can achieve meaningful development without stability.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, better welfare for security personnel, and increased community participation in combating crime.
Governance requires urgent reforms
Duke also criticized what he described as weaknesses in governance, arguing that many Nigerians have lost confidence in public institutions.
He called for greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
According to him, government officials must demonstrate integrity and focus on delivering tangible improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
He stressed that political leadership should be measured by its ability to improve the quality of life of citizens rather than by political rhetoric.
The former governor added that institutions should be strengthened to ensure continuity in governance regardless of changes in political leadership.
Youth unemployment demands attention
Duke identified youth unemployment as one of Nigeria’s biggest threats, warning that millions of unemployed young people could become vulnerable to crime and social unrest if meaningful opportunities are not created.
He urged both federal and state governments to invest more heavily in education, vocational training, technology, and entrepreneurship.
According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population represents a significant advantage if properly harnessed through skills development and productive employment.
He said empowering young people would not only stimulate economic growth but also contribute to national stability.
Need for national unity
The former governor also appealed for greater national unity, urging Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious, and regional differences.
He said national development requires collective responsibility from political leaders, civil society organizations, the private sector, and citizens.
Duke noted that division and political polarization only weaken efforts to address the country’s pressing challenges.
He called on leaders at all levels to embrace dialogue, inclusiveness, and policies that promote equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
Call for long-term economic planning
Duke advocated long-term planning instead of short-term political solutions, arguing that Nigeria possesses abundant natural and human resources capable of transforming the economy.
He said consistent investment in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, transportation, digital innovation, and education would create sustainable growth.
He also encouraged governments to reduce policy uncertainty, improve the business environment, and strengthen institutions responsible for economic management.
According to him, attracting both domestic and foreign investment depends on maintaining political stability, policy consistency, and respect for the rule of law.
Nigerians remain resilient
Despite his concerns, Duke expressed confidence that Nigeria can overcome its current difficulties if leaders make the right decisions and citizens continue contributing positively to national development.
He praised the resilience of Nigerians, noting that despite numerous economic and security challenges, many continue to demonstrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and determination.
However, he warned that resilience alone cannot replace effective governance and sound public policy.
He urged policymakers to act with urgency, emphasizing that delaying necessary reforms could worsen existing challenges.
Growing calls for reforms
Duke’s remarks come at a time when public debate continues over Nigeria’s economic direction, security situation, and governance reforms.
Recent months have seen increasing calls from political leaders, economists, civil society groups, and business organizations for policies that reduce inflation, improve security, expand employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.
Many analysts believe addressing these issues will require coordinated action across all levels of government, stronger institutions, fiscal discipline, and sustained investment in productive sectors of the economy.
As Nigeria navigates complex domestic and global economic pressures, Duke’s warning adds to the growing voices urging swift intervention to safeguard the country’s future and improve the welfare of its citizens.
Sources:
- Punch Newspapers
- Vanguard
- The Nation
- Leadership Newspaper
- PRP statements
