A lady has come forward to issue a stern warning about the troubling culture in Nigeria, where citizens continue to idolize corrupt politicians and their families while simultaneously claiming to desire meaningful change. Her statement has sparked a significant conversation on social media, drawing attention to the contradiction between public rhetoric and private admiration for those who exploit the system for personal gain.
She emphasised that this misplaced admiration has contributed to the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges, as it perpetuates a cycle in which accountability is absent and corruption thrives unchallenged.
Nigerians idolising corrupt leaders fuels national suffering
“Every day we wake up in this country and hear Nigerians saying they want change, they want change, they want change. But they are liars, because you cannot want a better country while continuing to worship the people responsible for your suffering,” she said passionately during an interview.
She criticised the public for applauding politicians who openly embezzle billions of naira, flaunt luxury cars, private jets, designer items, and lavish lifestyles on social media platforms, all of which are funded by stolen public funds. According to her, this admiration signals a moral and civic failure, undermining the possibility of societal reform and perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and injustice across the nation.
She drew a comparison with Nepal, highlighting a stark difference in civic consciousness and accountability. “In Nepal, people saw politicians flaunting stolen wealth and revolted. They burned the parliamentary building, chased corrupt politicians, and made them fear for their lives. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the same corruption occurs daily, yet instead of public outrage, people applaud and worship those responsible,” she said, expressing disbelief at the nation’s passive acceptance of corruption.
She further warned that unless Nigerian citizens hold their leaders accountable and stop idolizing them, the country would continue to struggle with corruption, poverty, and a shallow national mindset. “We cannot demand accountability for those we idolise. We cannot fight oppression while dreaming of being oppressors. Until Nigerians make politicians and their children fear public reprisal, the cycle will continue,” she added, urging citizens to rethink their priorities and align their actions with their stated desire for change.
Social media reactions:
The lady’s statement resonated widely across social media, eliciting varied reactions from Nigerians online. Some agreed wholeheartedly, while others reflected on the pervasive nature of political hypocrisy in the country.
@ann_oma58727: “Change starts when we stop idolizing those causing our problems.”[/p>
@OluOlabode: “This Northern lady is spitting facts but Nigerians will still ignore it. Every day they cry ‘change’ online, yet they stan the same thieves looting them dry, defend them like family, and vote them back in. Hypocrisy level 100.”[/p>
@qosee: “She only speaks truth.”[/p>
@isaacfemi: “Nigeria needs to learn from other nations. We keep clapping for thieves.”[/p>
@mademoiselle_ayo: “This is why nothing ever changes here. People worship money, not justice.”[/p>
@TundeWrites: “Spot on! Until citizens stop idolizing the corrupt, nothing will improve.”[/p>
The discussion has highlighted the deep frustration among citizens who feel trapped in a system that rewards corruption and punishes integrity. Many users called for a shift in mindset and civic engagement to ensure that politicians and their families are held accountable for their actions, rather than being glorified for ill-gotten gains.
Watch the video below for more context on her remarks…
“Every Day We Wake Up In This Country And Hear Nigerians Say They Want Change, But They’re Lying. You Can’t Claim To Want a Better Country While Still Worshipping The Same People Responsible For Your Suffering. You Praise Politicians And Their Children, Yet You Keep Screaming For… pic.twitter.com/FpK1zUVqhG[/p>
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) January 18, 2026