The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stern reminder to President Bola Tinubu that the hope he once promised to Nigerians has rapidly transformed into a state of hopelessness.
In a recent statement, HURIWA, led by its coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, highlighted the dire situation faced by millions of Nigerians who are now on the brink of starvation due to the lack of food and essential resources.
HURIWA emphasized that it is the constitutional duty of the government to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, including protecting their lives and property. The rights group called on the President to take immediate action to prevent the impending mass deaths caused by persistent starvation, which has been exacerbated by the poor economic policies of his administration and the escalating state of insecurity in Nigeria.
It is worth recalling that on July 12th, 2023, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in Abuja that measures were being put in place to provide palliatives and alleviate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies. He claimed that this decision was made in the best interest of the country and would pave the way for future prosperity.
However, HURIWA lamented that millions of Nigerians have now fallen into abject poverty, deprivation, and hunger. The rights group criticized the government for its failure to address the alarming levels of corruption and the alleged diversion of public funds by certain suspended officials of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Furthermore, HURIWA accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of attempting to cover up the accusations against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as other high-profile officials involved in large-scale corruption.
In addition to this, HURIWA condemned the actions of governors and other federal government officials who allegedly diverted and stole the palliatives that were meant to benefit starving Nigerians.