By Magnus Emuji/Chukwudi Asoya
OKPANAM/Nigeria: A Delta State resident, Lady Patricia Adaeze Ideh, has criticised comments attributed to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Mr. Daniel Bwala, over his reported assertion that Nigerians earning ₦60,000 monthly in the country are better off than many citizens who relocated abroad in search of greener pastures.
Speaking with journalists in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Ideh described the reported remarks as insensitive to the economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians, arguing that such comments do not reflect the daily struggles faced by average households.
According to her, the current cost of living and the declining purchasing power of the naira make it difficult for many families to survive on modest incomes, insisting that a monthly salary of ₦60,000 is insufficient to meet basic needs, particularly for workers with dependants.
She said public officials occupying strategic communication positions should exercise caution in commenting on issues affecting citizens, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising food prices, transportation costs and other economic challenges.
Ideh, a retired nurse, attributed the increasing migration of Nigerians to a combination of unemployment, insecurity and the search for better economic opportunities, noting that these factors have continued to drive professionals and skilled workers to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.
She observed that many medical practitioners and other professionals left Nigeria over the years in search of improved remuneration, better working conditions and career advancement.
Reacting to another statement reportedly credited to Bwala that some Nigerian professors who relocated abroad now work as caregivers and in other jobs below their qualifications, Ideh argued that employment in such roles should not be viewed with disdain.
According to her, many developed countries provide structured employment opportunities based on labour demands, enabling migrants to earn legitimate incomes while contributing to their host economies.
She also expressed concern over what she described as the absence of comprehensive policies capable of addressing unemployment and creating sustainable economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Ideh called on political actors to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
She also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, saying a transparent electoral process would further strengthen public confidence in the nation’s democracy.
