The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize addressing internal economic challenges amidst the country’s crushing state of hunger, poverty, high costs of living, and heightened insecurity.
Expressing concern over the recent looting of foodstuffs and essential commodities from warehouses in Abuja, HURIWA urged President Tinubu and relevant agencies to confront the escalating insecurity. The group demanded action to create an enabling environment for small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive or face dismissal for non-performance and incompetence.
HURIWA criticized President Tinubu’s frequent world travels and called for a three-month embargo on all foreign trips by the President and his ministers. The group emphasized the need for the government to focus on internal challenges, including the poor implementation of economic policies and the devaluation of the national currency.
The rights group condemned the looting incidents, attributing them to the larger economic concerns surrounding poverty and hunger. It chastised the President for prioritizing ceremonial events abroad over addressing the pressing needs of the Nigerian populace.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA emphasized the urgency of practical actions to alleviate the suffering of the population, criticizing the government’s lack of tangible relief measures. The group called on President Tinubu to take immediate steps to address the worsening economic situation, warning of dire consequences if action is not taken promptly.
HURIWA’s statement underscores the growing frustration among Nigerians over the government’s perceived neglect of domestic issues amid escalating economic hardships. As the country grapples with multiple crises, calls for decisive leadership and effective policy interventions continue to mount.