"Why Poverty Is a Crime Against Humanity" Fadata Replies Senate President, Akpabio

Is poverty a crime? The stark reality of a world teeming with both unimaginable wealth and abject destitution forces a question upon our collective conscience: is poverty merely an unfortunate circumstance, or does its persistence in the face of plenty constitute a profound societal transgression? To label poverty a “crime” might seem a provocative overreach, yet beneath the surface of this assertion lies a potent truth – a moral and systemic indictment that demands our urgent attention.

Poverty, in its most brutal form, is a denial of fundamental human rights. It strips individuals of dignity, opportunity, and the very essence of a flourishing life. When a child’s potential is stunted by malnutrition, when a parent is forced to choose between feeding their family and seeking medical care, when an individual’s spirit is crushed under the weight of relentless hardship, we witness not just misfortune but a profound injustice. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a pervasive global crisis, a silent pandemic that claims lives and futures with devastating efficiency.

To understand poverty as a crime is to recognize it not as a random act of fate, but often as a direct consequence of systemic failures and moral negligence. Consider the intricate web of economic policies that prioritize profit over people, the discriminatory practices that lock marginalized communities in cycles of deprivation, the corruption that siphons resources away from those who need them most, and the environmental degradation that disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations.

These are not accidental outcomes; they are often the fruits of decisions made—or not made—by those in positions of power. In this light, the “crime” lies in the structures and actions that actively create and perpetuate poverty.

Furthermore, the staggering disparity between the opulent few and the struggling masses presents a stark moral challenge. While some accumulate wealth beyond comprehension, others lack the basic necessities for survival. This chasm is not simply an economic imbalance; it speaks to a profound failure of empathy and a disregard for our shared humanity.

When resources are hoarded or squandered while others suffer, it raises a fundamental ethical question: do we not bear a collective responsibility for the well-being of our fellow human beings?

Religious traditions offer powerful perspectives on this issue.

• The Hebrew Bible resounds with prophets who fiercely condemned the oppression of the poor. Isaiah’s denunciation of unjust laws that “deprive the poor of their rights” and Amos’s critique of those who “trample on the poor” highlight how systemic injustice and exploitation are viewed as grave offenses.

• The emphasis on tzedakah—often translated as charity but rooted in righteousness and justice—underscores a moral obligation to care for the needy, as seen in Deuteronomy’s call to be “openhanded” towards the poor and Leviticus’s directive to leave gleanings for them.

• The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament are deeply intertwined with compassion for the marginalized. His proclamation of good news to the poor in Luke’s Gospel, and his parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew, where neglecting the needs of the “least of these” is equated with neglecting Christ himself, underscore the profound spiritual significance of caring for the vulnerable. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of indifference to the suffering of those in poverty.

• The Quran echoes these sentiments with compelling clarity. Zakat, the obligatory act of charity, is not merely a suggestion but a pillar of Islam, a tangible mechanism for wealth redistribution and support for the poor. Verses in Surah Al-Hashr emphasize preventing the circulation of wealth solely among the rich, while Surah Al-Ma’un questions the faith of those who neglect the needs of orphans and the poor. The Quran consistently urges believers towards generosity and reminds them that their wealth holds a share for the needy, as stated in Surah Adh-Dhariyat.

In conclusion, while poverty may not always be a crime in the strictly legal sense, its persistence in a world of abundance constitutes a profound moral and societal failure. It is a “crime” against the potential of human life, often born from systemic injustices and perpetuated by indifference.

The ethical frameworks of both the Bible and the Quran serve as powerful reminders of our collective responsibility to dismantle the structures that create poverty and to actively extend compassion and support to those who are most vulnerable. Recognizing poverty as an unspoken verdict against our humanity compels us to move beyond mere charity towards a fundamental commitment to justice, equity, and a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

The time for silent complicity is over; the verdict demands action. Dear Senator, Poverty is a Crime.

— Fadaka Louis, Publisher, Coach, Nigerian