Legal luminary and respected elder statesman, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), has strongly asserted that the Nigerian economy is currently in a “deadly mess,” offering a dire assessment of the country’s financial health.
Ahamba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with more than five decades of legal practice experience, made this statement in an interview with a prominent national newspaper, where he expressed grave concerns over the state of the nation’s economy.
In his candid remarks, Ahamba said, “What I’m going to say is not political, but pure social reality. The economy of Nigeria is in a deadly mess.” He emphasized that his views were not politically motivated but rather rooted in the harsh economic realities affecting everyday Nigerians.
Drawing from his extensive interactions with people from all walks of life, Ahamba pointed out the deepening economic despair that is rapidly engulfing the nation. “I’ve had the opportunity to communicate with various people of different levels, and there is a growing sense of danger as people are hopelessly economically down,” he observed, highlighting the widening gap between the government’s policies and the lived realities of the citizens.
Ahamba also noted that even individuals in positions of relative privilege were not immune to the economic challenges. “When the economy is beginning to haunt people like us, you can imagine the man on the street,” he remarked, underscoring the profound impact of the economic crisis on all strata of society.
The senior lawyer’s candid admission is a stark reminder of the widespread discontent and frustration that has been building up among Nigerians as they grapple with escalating costs of living, unemployment, and inflation.
Chief Ahamba, known for his blunt and straightforward assessments, did not mince words in advising the president and his administration. He called for greater realism in addressing the economic woes of the country, urging the leadership to face the reality of the situation rather than being swayed by those who suggest that everything is manageable. “Without any pretence, I want to advise the president and those working with him to be realistic,” Ahamba urged.
His words reflect a growing frustration among Nigerians who feel that the government has failed to acknowledge the severity of the crisis.
The senior advocate also highlighted the importance of humility and accountability in leadership, stressing that acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility was essential for moving forward. “It takes a man to say I’m sorry, it takes a fool to walk away,” he stated, suggesting that those around the president who continue to downplay the economic challenges are either misinformed or deliberately ignoring the truth.
Ahamba’s warning comes with a dire prediction: “I hope this country does not explode because the saying that a hungry man is an angry man is older than I am.” His words serve as a cautionary tale, urging the Nigerian leadership to take immediate and concrete steps to address the economic downturn before it spirals out of control.
In a nation where poverty and inequality are already widespread, Ahamba’s warning echoes the frustrations of many Nigerians who fear that the ongoing economic instability could lead to greater unrest if left unchecked.
