Tacha Akide Defends Lagos State Against Critics
Popular reality television star Tacha Akide has issued a strong rebuttal to Nigerians who frequently criticize Lagos state. In a recent social media video, she addressed the ongoing complaints about Lagos, turning the focus back on the critics themselves and the performance of other states across the country.
The Core Argument: Lagos as a Symptom, Not the Problem
Tacha began by highlighting a common refrain she hears from people. "Everyday I hear people say Lagos is dirty, Lagos is smelling, Lagos is full of beggars and I laugh because Lagos is not the problem here. Lagos is the symptom," she stated emphatically. Her central thesis is that the challenges faced by Lagos are a direct result of systemic failures in governance elsewhere in Nigeria.
She pointed out the immense population pressure on Lagos, noting that over 20 million Nigerians reside there. "Listen, we have 36 states in Nigeria and yet Lagos is carrying the weight of the whole country," Tacha argued. She emphasized that managing such a large concentration of people is an enormous task, questioning whether critics have ever tried to manage Nigerians on such a scale.
A Pointed Question to Critics
The reality star posed a direct and provocative question to those who attack Lagos. "Before you criticize Lagos, ask yourself, what is your own state doing?" This query challenges individuals to reflect on the development and opportunities provided by their home states before casting judgment on Lagos.
Tacha elaborated on why so many people flock to Lagos. "They are in Lagos because governors in Nigeria do absolutely nothing. They sit in their offices for eight years, no jobs, no infrastructure, no night life, no economy…absolutely nothing," she asserted. She criticized the lack of accountability for these governors, noting they face little judgment or public outcry for their inaction.
The Consequences of Inaction in Other States
According to Tacha, this governance vacuum forces citizens to seek better prospects in Lagos. "People have no choice than to run to Lagos for greener pastures," she explained. This mass migration, she argues, overwhelms Lagos's resources and infrastructure, leading to the very issues critics complain about.
She proposed a solution, suggesting that if other states improved their performance, the strain on Lagos would ease. "If about 10 to 15 states were doing half of what Lagos is doing, the pressure on Lagos will reduce drastically but every other state in Nigeria is sleeping. Yes, they are sleeping," Tacha concluded, using strong language to underscore her point about widespread governmental lethargy.
Her comments have sparked discussions on social media about regional development, migration patterns, and the responsibilities of state governments across Nigeria. By shifting the narrative, Tacha aims to redirect criticism from Lagos to a broader examination of governance failures that drive internal migration.
