15/06/2026
“A Bag of Rice Cannot Replace Good Governance” – NRM Chieftain Advocates Sustainable Empowerment for Nigerians
A chieftain of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Hon. Adekunle Ishola, popularly known as Ojuabere, has called on Nigerians to reject what he described as “temporary political handouts” and instead demand sustainable development, empowerment, and accountable leadership.
In a statement titled “A Bag of Rice Cannot Replace Good Governance,” Ishola expressed concern over recent videos showing citizens, particularly women, receiving bags of rice and other food items from members of the ruling party.
According to him, while food assistance may provide short-term relief, it is not a substitute for good governance and long-term economic empowerment.
“It is disheartening to watch our mothers celebrate the collection of bags of rice. While such support is appreciated, Nigerians deserve far more than seasonal handouts that often surface during election periods,” he said.
The NRM stalwart argued that the country's leadership should focus on creating sustainable opportunities through job creation, quality education, skills acquisition programmes, support for small businesses, and improved healthcare services.
“A bag of rice may feed a family for a few days, but empowerment can feed generations,” he stated, emphasizing the popular saying that teaching a person how to fish provides lifelong sustenance.
Ishola further stressed that democracy thrives when political parties are allowed to compete freely and citizens are empowered to make informed choices. He criticized politicians who neglect the people for years only to reappear during election seasons with food items and other inducements.
“The people deserve leaders who are present before elections, during elections, and after elections. Democracy is sweetest when all political parties are allowed to thrive and compete fairly,” he noted.
Highlighting some of Nigeria’s pressing challenges, Ishola cited unemployment, insecurity, poverty, drug abuse, a struggling healthcare sector, and the proliferation of counterfeit products as major concerns requiring urgent attention.
He particularly condemned the circulation of fake medications, describing it as a serious threat to public health.
“How can a country allow counterfeit drugs, including fake paracetamol, to find their way into the hands of citizens? This is unacceptable and dangerous,” he said.
The NRM chieftain also lamented a growing culture of dependency fueled by political patronage, urging Nigerians to demand accountability and development rather than settle for temporary relief materials.
“Our mothers should be working, running businesses, building their families, and contributing meaningfully to society—not moving from one political gathering to another in search of rice,” he added.
Ishola called for visionary, compassionate, and competent leadership capable of creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for citizens.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the future, saying that the younger generation deserves a nation where hard work is rewarded, opportunities are accessible, and every citizen can live with dignity.
“Nigeria deserves better,” he declared.
The statement was signed by Hon. Adekunle Ishola (Ojuabere) of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) under the banner of Idera De 2027.
