Social media commentators have voiced mixed reactions following the recent distribution of food palliatives by James Faleke, the House of Representatives member for Ikeja Federal Constituency.
On October 7, 2024, Faleke distributed 10,000 food packages containing rice and semovita as part of his efforts to alleviate the financial pressure caused by the rising cost of living.
The lawmaker shared footage of the event on his official X account, sparking a wave of commentary from online commentators.
While some saw Faleke’s actions as timely relief during economic hardship, critics pointed out that such initiatives are short-term fixes, masking deeper issues of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
“Passed Ikeja today, and people were on a very long queue to collect rice and semo with their voters card, heard some people even slept there overnight in order to collect early. Where are we going exactly in this country?” @itzjaybee_ tweeted.
Another X user, @rotex30, criticised Faleke’s long tenure in office, tweeting, “This honourable has been representing Ikeja federal constituency since 2011. They even reserved the ticket for him when he went for Kogi state governorship election and lost. No substance added to this constituency except sharing keke maruwa n 5kg rice to their party supporters.”
Similarly, @MaduabuchiDr lamented the state of the nation. “People have officially become refugees in their country. Distribution of Palliative when there’s no war, no pandemic. Things will get worse until we fix our leadership and economy,” he wrote.
@abimbolasuccess also criticised the initiative: “Lol….For how long will this food serve a family of 5? You criminal Nigerian politicians have weaponize hunger and poverty, so you can easily get the poor people to do your bidding. These are the people relegating Lagos indigenes to the background in the affairs of their state.”
@patoosky17 expressed frustration: “So this is an achievement? Instead of you to sponsor bills and build human and social infrastructures, you share palliatives when there’s no war or pandemic? God will certainly ask you guys serious questions.”
@peter_chige reflected on his disillusionment: “In 2005 l had won the spelling Bee and represented ojodu and it’s one of ur success stories. I had hopes that Nigeria was gonna be a better place n that I’m a future leader, nothing 2 write home about after how many yrs. Palliative sharing. Na handshake I get from ojodu sef.”
Meanwhile, some residents praised the initiative. @olaniya01392358 tweeted, “Good job Sir. But the queue is much. Stretching till Shoprite from LTV. I will suggest decentralization. The food should be shared per Ward so that more people can benefit. God bless You Sir in Jesus Name Amen.”
@Queer_Hood suggested a more systematic approach, calling for “DIGITALISED FOOD BANKs with fingerprint capturing in OJODU LCDA, ONIGBONGBO LCDA & IKEJA LOCAL GOVT. Wards distribution will be stolen.”
@ajibolawealth4 commended the effort, saying, “Well done, sir. Thank you so much for your service to the people.”