Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Tuesday night reacted emotionally to the removal of Farouk Ahmed, describing the development as a moment of relief after what he sees as years of policy choices that hurt local production and job creation.
In a characteristically blunt reaction that quickly set social media buzzing, the former labour leader and ex–Edo State governor made it clear that his celebration was rooted not in personal animosity, but in long-standing frustration over Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. To Oshiomhole, the exit symbolised hope that policies favouring import dependence at the expense of local industries may finally give way to a stronger focus on domestic manufacturing.
Close associates say the senator’s outburst reflects deep anger shared by many Nigerians who feel shut out of economic opportunities, especially young people struggling to find work. “When factories close and imports thrive, families suffer,” one ally said, adding that Oshiomhole’s reaction was driven by empathy for workers, not politics.
Unsurprisingly, the comments triggered mixed reactions nationwide. Supporters praised him for speaking with raw honesty about the pain of joblessness, while critics cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric and urged more measured public discourse.
Beyond the controversy, analysts say the moment has once again thrust a familiar national question into the spotlight: Should Nigeria continue to rely on imports, or aggressively protect and grow its own industries?
As emotions cool, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether Farouk Ahmed’s removal marks a real policy shift — one that translates outrage into factories reopened, jobs created, and renewed faith in the promise of local production.
