Frustration and anger have erupted among N-Power beneficiaries nationwide as the Federal Government failed to fulfill its January promise of clearing their unpaid stipends, now spanning eight to nine months.
With February coming to an end, many have taken to social media to express their disappointment, accusing the government of deception and neglect. Despite a meeting with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, no payments have been made, leaving beneficiaries in distress.
A Facebook user, Oluwasomiji Ajayi, voiced his frustration, writing, “See, don’t expect anything more; that’s what they keep saying. Why are we even believing them, sef?”
Another beneficiary, Sam Austin, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “The Federal Government knows the hardship and unemployment situation. As a necessity, we deserve our 8-9 months’ stipends and an exit package.”
Similarly, Abubakar Jibrin criticized the situation, lamenting, “This isn’t about EFCC; this is Nigeria, where youths work without being paid. What kind of country is this?”
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Many are directing their frustration toward President Bola Tinubu, demanding immediate intervention. Adam Orhungur pleaded, “Tinubu should stop playing tricks on poor Nigerian youths. Have mercy on us; we are your children. I don’t expect this kind of behavior from an elderly man like you.”
The growing discontent has sparked talks of a nationwide peaceful protest, with some beneficiaries accusing their own leader, Muhammad-Habibu Abubakar, of colluding with the government to silence them.
One of them, Abubakar Abdullahi, called out the N-Power leader and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, in a heated statement: “Comrade Muhammad-Habibu Abubakar and Minister Nentawe, you should be ashamed. You deceived N-Power beneficiaries who are only asking for their rights. We know you are lying, and we won’t take it anymore. If our money isn’t paid, there will be a protest.”
It will be recalled that Minister Yilwatda had assured the aggrieved beneficiaries in a meeting with selected officials—including Muhammad-Habibu Abubakar—that payments would be made in February. However, as the month ends, the promise remains unfulfilled, fueling more outrage and uncertainty.
With tensions rising and beneficiaries threatening mass protests, all eyes are now on the Federal Government to see whether it will act or allow the situation to spiral further.
