Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has cautioned Nigerians living abroad to be wary of recent remarks by Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding Nigeria’s state of affairs. In a post on X, Shehu said Akpabio’s comments about progress in the country were misleading and did not reflect the harsh realities on ground. He urged Nigerians in the diaspora not to believe what he described as political propaganda and sugar-coated speeches.

According to Shehu, millions of Nigerians are battling hunger, unemployment, and severe hardship. He claimed that over 139 million citizens face food insecurity, while 60 million youths are without jobs. In addition, he highlighted concerns about over 30 million children suffering malnutrition and Nigeria’s rising debt reportedly hitting N170 trillion. He advised Nigerians abroad not to assume things are improving simply based on political statements.

Shehu’s message, supported by biblical references, emphasized moral warnings against deceptive leadership. He quoted verses like Psalm 10:7 and Ephesians 5:6 to stress that leaders should speak truth and not manipulate citizens with pleasant-sounding promises. He accused political leaders of turning dishonesty into a way of governance, saying many officials present false narratives to protect their image while everyday Nigerians struggle.

The commentator stressed that citizens abroad should stay connected to the realities back home, instead of relying solely on public speeches. He insisted that the hardships in Nigeria — from poverty and unemployment to insecurity and inflation — paint a very different picture from what some top officials are promoting publicly.

Shehu concluded that until leaders prioritize transparency and true reforms, Nigerians should remain cautious. He warned the diaspora community not to return home based on rosy political claims and to understand that the real situation requires honest acknowledgment and urgent action, not public relations messaging.