Every Day, Nigerians Go Hungry While Their Pastors Buy Private Jets – Former NLC Vice President
Former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and ex-President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Anthony Emmanuel Nted, has lamented the growing hunger in the country, accusing pastors of amassing wealth while their congregants struggle to feed.
Nted, who spoke during his 65th birthday celebration, which coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day, said the contrast between his personal growth and the nation’s decline leaves him deeply troubled.
“I am happy I was born on October 1, but I am not happy I share the birthday with Nigeria. While I am moving forward, the country is going backward,” he was quoted by Vanduard as saying.
He said the hardship facing Nigerians has reached alarming levels, noting that “every day I get 200 calls asking for food. People are dying of starvation. Things were better before, but today Nigerians can’t eat. Reforms are not feeding the people.”
The former labour leader condemned both past and present administrations for failing to alleviate poverty, saying leaders must stop making excuses. “It didn’t start from President Tinubu—it began with past leaders.
“But if you accept leadership, you must take responsibility. You can’t keep blaming those before you. Once you are in office, you must do the right thing and show people progress,” he said.
Nted took a swipe at religious leaders, accusing them of misusing church funds for luxury.
“Did God ask for money to buy jets? No. That money should go to the needy. Every day people are hungry, yet pastors are buying jets. It is wrong,” he said.
On the state of governance, he expressed concern over growing corruption and weak institutions.
“Billions are being stolen daily, yet nothing happens. If cases are not punished, agencies like EFCC will become toothless bulldogs,” he said.
He also urged political leaders to take responsibility rather than blame predecessors.
“If you know you cannot manage, don’t accept leadership. Stop blaming the past. Nigerians are tired of excuses. Do the job or quit,” he charged.
Reflecting on his life, Nted said he came from humble beginnings in the riverine village of Autoboot in Rivers State, where he and his brother struggled to survive on menial jobs before rising through hard work to leadership positions in the maritime sector.
“I never insulted anyone, no matter their age or mistake. If you do something wrong, I correct you politely. Leadership is about love, kindness, and humility,” he noted.
He also warned Nigerian youths against trading their future for temporary gains.
“The future belongs to the youth, but many sell their votes for a token and destroy their tomorrow. Unless both government and citizens change, Nigeria will keep going backward,” he warned.