Insecurity, Poverty Threaten Nigeria’s Future – NRM Candidate

Presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Esther Nkem Okereke, has raised concern over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, widespread poverty, unemployment and economic hardship, saying the country could still achieve greatness through purposeful leadership and collective action.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the June 12 Democracy Day, Okereke said millions of Nigerians were facing severe economic challenges while public confidence in democratic institutions continued to decline.

The NRM flagbearer pledged to rebuild the nation if elected president, assuring Nigerians that the country could overcome insecurity, poverty and economic difficulties through strategic reforms and accountable governance.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Okereke recounted childhood memories of hearing discussions about the annulled 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

“June 12 is not just a date on the calendar. It reminds me of sitting in darkness as a young girl listening to my parents whisper about MKO Abiola. They did not understand politics; they understood hope.

Today, I stand here as Esther—a daughter who experienced hardship and still believes Nigeria can and will work again,” she said.

She paid tribute to democracy heroes including Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, journalists, student leaders, and civil rights activists who fought for democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to her, their sacrifices were aimed at creating a nation where citizens can live with dignity, access quality education and healthcare, and pursue opportunities without discrimination or political patronage.

Okereke painted a grim picture of the country’s current condition, citing rising inflation, worsening insecurity, unemployment, and deepening poverty.

“Democracy is bleeding. The courts that people turn to for justice sometimes fail them. The votes cast in hope sometimes disappear. Inflation continues to erode the earnings of ordinary Nigerians. Over 100 million Nigerians living in poverty are not just statistics—they are our neighbours, friends, and family members,” she stated.

Despite the challenges, the NRM presidential candidate expressed confidence that Nigeria could recover through deliberate leadership, transparency, and national unity.

As part of her vision for the country, she unveiled the ESTHER Agenda, a development blueprint focused on six major pillars.

The agenda prioritises expanding electricity supply and improving education, strengthening security nationwide, digitising government operations to improve transparency, enhancing healthcare services and affordable housing, creating 25 million jobs through investments in agriculture, housing, technology and innovation, and restoring national values centred on integrity, competence, and social responsibility.

Okereke also appealed to Nigerian youths not to lose faith in the country despite current challenges.

“Don’t japa from Nigeria; japa from fear. Your creativity, innovation, skills, and entrepreneurship are the new oil that will drive our economy,” she said.