The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of showing a lack of empathy for the suffering Nigerians are going through.

NEF’s Director of Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, lamented that while Nigerians can’t feed themselves, those in power are living in denial and self-isolation.

Suleiman noted that the cost of living has been steadily increasing, particularly in terms of food prices, leading to widespread hunger and malnourishment.

A statement by Suleiman reads partly: “It is disheartening to witness the disconnect between the reality on the ground and the actions, or lack thereof, of our leaders.

“While millions of Nigerians are struggling to put food on the table and make ends meet, those in power seem to be living in isolation or denial. This indifference to the suffering of the people they are meant to serve is deeply troubling.

“The consequences of this unchecked rise in inflation are devastating for ordinary Nigerians. Families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities, as the prices of essential commodities such as rice, beans, and cooking oil continue to skyrocket.

“Moreover, the impact of inflation extends beyond the realm of food prices. Small businesses are struggling to survive as the cost of raw materials and transportation continues to rise.”