Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has come in for serious backlash after he said that the failure of then federal government to develop Nigeria was because northerners were marrying multiple wives and having many children indiscriminately thereby constituting a huge problem for Nigeria and a burden on the government.
Fayose who made the comments during an interview on Channels TV on Monday night, said there was no reason for Nigerians to embark on a protest as the hunger in the country did not start under Tinubu but as a result of the huge population from the north.
When asked what he thought the government could do to alleviate the sufferings of millions of Nigerians under Tinubu’s watch as Nigerians prepare for the #EndBadGovernance protests on August1st, Fayose said:
“The reason why it is difficult for Tinubu to develop Nigeria is because Northerners are giving birth to children they can’t cater for.”
He went on to recount a personal experience on how he came to know about indiscriminate marriage and childbearing in Northern Nigeria.
“Let me say this. I went to one state in the North. I don’t want to mention the name of the state. I was there for three days. During my stay, I became familiar with people around the government house where I stayed.
“I sat outside and started speaking with one or two people. I asked the gateman how long he had been in government work. He said he had spent 26 years. I asked how much his salary was. He said it was small, N34,000. I asked how many children he had. He said 16. I asked how many wives he had. He said four.”
“My brother, the problem is inside… For God’s sake, if somebody is earning N34,000, what can the government do with 17 children? We don’t want to be unrealistic.
“Another person said he has eight children and three wives, with one of his wives still expecting.
“A lot has to be done with our people too. Because when you have children and you go into government, a government that is struggling to survive, it is difficult when you are asking me what I would say to them. What do I say to a man who has 17 children and four wives?”
The former governor’s comments however, elicited outrage on social media with many users faulting his statements which they believe is an indictment on a section of the country.
READ ALSO:NULGE replies Fayose, says it’s not surprised since he ran LGAs like personal business
Others feel such comments should not have come from him at a time Nigerians are grappling with hardship, high cost of living and hunger due to the policies of the government.
Read some of the comments below:
“This is the video of Fayose insulting Northerners, that they give birth to, too many children and they marry too many wives, making it difficult for the Tinubu administration
“Tinubu government is now blaming northerners for over populating the country, our sheiks and Malam that paraded in his house last week to address protests issues I hope u people hear this.”
Tinubu government is now blaming northerners for over populating the country, our sheiks and Malam that paraded in his house last week to address protests issues I hope u people hear this
— First child of Northern Nigeria (@gwaniforlife) July 30, 2024
“Ayo Fayose is supporting Tinubu government and blaming Northern Nigerians for having many children on Chanels TV. Southwest Tinubu supporters are despicable. They blame others for the problems of Nigeria except Tinubu. Tribal bigots.”
Ayo Fayose is supporting Tinubu government and blaming Northern Nigerians for having many children on Chanels TV. Southwest Tinubu supporters are despicable. They blame others for the problems of Nigeria except Tinubu. Tribal bigots.
— Shehu Gazali Sadiq (@Shehusky) July 29, 2024
“After blaming:
– Buhari
– Binance
– Emefiele
Tinubu boys are now blaming northerners population for Tinubu’s failures. Fayose just insulted the entire northern Nigeria’s people, in the name of defending Tinubu’s colossal failure!”
After blaming:– Buhari– Binance– EmefieleTinubu boys are now blaming northerners population for Tinubu's failures. Fayose just insulted the entire northern Nigeria's people, in the name of defending Tinubu's colossal failure!
— Abdul-Aziz Na'ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) July 29, 2024
“Does Nigeria have more population than China and America? The problem is not overpopulation but inability of government to manage the population and gain from it. Same numbers are used in budgeting where. OST of the funds are stolen by the ruling class. Stop stealing government funds and use it to the benefit of the people!!!
“I cannot believe we once had this dude as a governor in my state. 8yrs this bloke was ruling Ekiti and with this kind of mindset and idea I feel the state must have wasted 8yrs.
We dont elect the best of us in Nigeria.
He probably lived off the state for 8yrs and beyond.”
I cannot believe we once had this dude as a governor in my state. 8yrs this bloke was ruling Ekiti and with this kind of mindset and idea I feel the state must have wasted 8yrs.We dont elect the best of us in Nigeria. He probably lived off the state for 8yrs and beyond.
— Yinka (@YinkuzJ) July 29, 2024
“This is insensitive and I hope my Northern people are taking note of the denigrating remarks they are receiving from southern leaders. The situation today cut across the country but Fayose chose northern population to blame for it.”
This is insensitive and I hope my Northern people are taking note of the denigrating remarks they are receiving from southern leaders. The situation today cut across the country but Fayose chose northern population to blame for it.
— Omiachi J (@krativity) July 29, 2024
“So it’s the plenty wife and children they have in the north that make Tinubu purchase 150 billion naira jet or 6 billion yachts or 22 billion house for vp and rather our Oil they take to Malta only to self for us at higher prices? Una dey craze.
These old thieves are d problem.”
So it’s the plenty wife and children they have in the north that make Tinubu purchase 150 billion naira jet or 6 billion yachts or 22 billion house for vp and rather our Oil they take to Malta only to self for us at higher prices?Una dey craze. These old thieves are d problem
— Ovuemax (@Ovuemax) July 29, 2024
“I can’t believe this is coming from Fayose. It is very stupid and irresponsible statement. He needs to apologize.”
"The reason why it is difficult for Tinubu to develop Nigeria is because Northerners are giving birth to children they can’t cater for." – Ayodele Fayose
I can't believe this is coming from Fayose. It is very stupid and irresponsible statement. He needs to apologize. pic.twitter.com/5BCJdiMASw
— Sarki. (@Waspapping_) July 30, 2024
The post Citizens blast ex-Ekiti Gov, Fayose, for saying northerners many wives, kids is cause of Nigeria’s problems appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
