“Politicians Enjoy Private Jets, Nigerians Endure Empty Stomachs” — Sowore’s Remarks Set Internet Ablaze
By Paul Ebi
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate has ignited fierce nationwide debate after accusing Nigeria’s political elite of deliberately impoverishing workers while allegedly stockpiling public funds for personal and political interests.
In a strongly worded statement that has gone viral across social media, Sowore questioned the repeated argument by government officials that Nigeria cannot afford to pay workers a decent minimum wage.
“The same tired question always comes up — where will the money come from to pay workers a decent minimum wage?” Sowore asked. “Yet nobody ever asks where politicians find the money to pay themselves outrageous salaries and allowances, fund luxury lifestyles, or loot public treasuries.”
The activist alleged that Ondo State Governor kept hundreds of billions of naira in bank accounts, specifically claiming that about ₦500 billion was allegedly lodged in accounts with firstbanknigeria.com to generate interest for associates and political allies, while residents of the state battle poverty, unemployment, failing education, and deteriorating healthcare systems.
Sowore further alleged that another massive political war chest exists ahead of future elections, claiming that is allegedly overseeing about ₦800 billion in campaign-related funds linked to President .
According to him, the same political establishment that allegedly controls enormous financial resources continues to tell workers, teachers, nurses, police officers, and soldiers that increasing wages would “cause inflation” and damage the economy.
“Nigeria does not have a shortage of money,” Sowore declared. “It has a surplus of greed, corruption, and misplaced priorities.”
The comments have triggered intense reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the widening gap between political office holders and ordinary citizens struggling under rising inflation and economic hardship.
Labour advocates and civil society groups have also renewed calls for a living wage, arguing that the current economic realities have made survival nearly impossible for millions of workers.
Sowore insisted that the proposed ₦500,000 minimum wage should not be seen as unrealistic, arguing instead that the true crisis is a political culture that allegedly treats public funds as private property
“If there is money for politicians, there must be money for workers,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ondo State Government nor the Imo State Government had officially responded to the allegations raised by Sowore.
