At 105 years old, Nonye Ezeanyaeche, a veteran politician and one-time presidential aspirant, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the issues of hunger and inequality plaguing Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the renowned activist, also known as the “great, great, great grandma of Africa,” expressed concern over the unfulfilled demands of Nigerian youths, who recently took to the streets in protest against poor governance and rising hunger.
Ezeanyaeche, who contested in the 2023 General Elections under the African Action Congress (AAC), highlighted the need for Tinubu’s administration to respect citizens’ rights to free speech and protest, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. She warned that ignoring these fundamental rights could further destabilize the nation.
“Mr. President, despite the widespread protests, hunger persists across the country. I urge you to take immediate and decisive action to address the grievances and demands of the people,” Ezeanyaeche stated passionately. She reminded the government that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity, and emphasized the importance of fostering peace by ensuring everyone’s rights are upheld.
The centenarian, who hails from Anambra State, also condemned the violence and destruction caused by opportunistic elements during the protests. She called on the Federal Government to provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives or were injured during the demonstrations.
Ezeanyaeche further advised the government to establish monitoring groups to ensure that development programs reach the grassroots and to take a firm stand against corruption. She also called for equitable distribution of resources and employment opportunities for all Nigerians, urging the government to avoid marginalizing any group.
In her closing remarks, the 105-year-old activist emphasized the need for accountability: “Punish the wealthy when they break the law, and ensure no ethnic group is left behind. Only then can we build a just and prosperous nation.”
