Public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has cautioned Nigerians in the diaspora not to believe recent remarks by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the state of the nation, describing them as “deceptive and untrue.”

In a post on his official 𝕏 handle on Wednesday, Shehu accused Akpabio of “painting a false picture of progress and stability” in order to mislead citizens living abroad.

Shehu, citing figures to counter Akpabio’s claims, alleged that millions of Nigerians are battling hardship.

“139 million Nigerians are facing visible hunger, 60 million jobless and unemployed youth, and over 30 million children are suffering from severe malnutrition,” he wrote.

He further noted that Nigeria’s debt profile has ballooned.

“Nigeria’s debt stock is now at N170 trillion and still counting. Come back home at your own risk,” Shehu warned.

Linking his message to spiritual teachings, Shehu referenced Bible verses to describe what he called “deceitful leadership.”

He cited Psalm 10:7: “His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue,” and Ephesians 5:6: “Let no one deceive you with empty words.”

According to him, Nigeria’s leadership has normalised dishonesty.

“Our leaders have made lying a trade and deception a permanent culture,” Shehu said.

The commentator urged Nigerians abroad not to be carried away by “political speeches that do not reflect reality at home