Shehu Tells Nigerians Abroad: Don’t Be Deceived by Akpabio’s Call to Return

Human rights activist and public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has advised Nigerians living abroad to ignore Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s recent call to return home.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shehu warned that Akpabio was not being truthful about the nation’s situation, highlighting severe socio-economic challenges:

• 139 million Nigerians facing hunger
• 60 million youths unemployed
• Over 30 million children suffering severe malnutrition
• National debt stock at ₦170 trillion

Shehu cautioned that anyone returning home does so “at their own risk,” accusing leaders of normalizing deceit. To reinforce his warning, he quoted several Bible verses on deceit and falsehood among leaders, including:

• Psalm 10:7 – “His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.”
• Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
• Romans 3:13 – “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips.”

Akpabio had previously encouraged Nigerians abroad to return home and contribute to rebuilding the nation, but many critics argue the country is still struggling with economic hardship, insecurity, and poor governance.