Coalition of Human Rights Group decries the state of the nation,calls on all CSOs to shun conflict of Interest
By Onome Naomi
A coalition of diverse human rights bodies has converged to address the situation of the economy, calls on all civil societies to intensify in addressing the government over the severity of hardship that has engulfed the nation. The group also addressed the ineptitude of some CSO’s over-involvement in monetized political practices that differs from the true situation of national issues.
The second phase of the theme, ‘State of the Nation,’ was held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, during a conference in Lagos. Representatives of the various human rights bodies in attendance include: Comrade Neye Solomon, member of CDHR and Ampef; Comr Daniel Oguine, executive member of CDHR, AMPEF, Joint Action Front; Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, convener, Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation (AMPEF—Voice of the Voiceless); Comrade Olusegun Adeeko, convener, Know Your Rights for Justice (KnockRights); Comrade Amb. Ajimotokin Bankole, Centre for Human Rights Activists (CHERA); others.
The insightful deliberations were centered on the removal of fuel subsidies as the paramount issue raised by the representatives of human rights bodies at the press conference.
Comrade Leye Solomon opened the floor for discussions and deliberations as he established facts surrounding the removal of subsidies and the adverse situations it has created so far, which he says include an increase in pump prices, a hike in essential commodities, transportation, building costs, amongst other bothersome situations. Leye mentioned that regulatory bodies have misinterpreted government policies, leading to hardship for Nigerians. Affirm there is a need for a continuous demonstration to put the government and her policies to check.
Comrade Daniel Oguine opined on the recent delivery of the N100Bn presidential jet in juxtaposition with the reality of Nigeria. He says hardship faced by the masses should be of concern to the leadership of this present administration, as against the misappropriation of public fund to buy a new presidential jet, the building of first lady’s office, and renovation of the vice president’s office running into billions of Naira. He also noted that Nigeria’s crude has been sold up front, hence Dangote and other refineries inability to get crude from Nigeria but purchase overseas in dollars, a further reason for the devaluation of the Naira.
Comrade Adeeko laments over the failure of government policies like the removal of subsidies, closure of borders, etc. Says the reason for its removal, as implied by President Tinubu, is false; it had further enhanced corruption. He noted that Nigeria is retrogressing rapidly, advises the government to return subsidies, study issues properly before implementing policies, stop the distribution of palliatives, address the bogus salaries and allowances for judges, senators, ministers, and governors. The government should make room for subsistence, accountability, and a positive output of the country’s natural resources to cushion the effect of hardship.
In addition to the deliberations made by previous speakers, Comrade Ajimotokin opined that the president’s advisory board members should be removed and replaced with right-thinkers. More also, the president made Nigerians believe he is wealthy enough not to bother with public funds, yet the reverse has been the case, hence the want for a new presidential jet worth N100 billion, a billion naira worth of presidential cars, and other luxury he’s been enjoying using public funds accumulated from the sweat of the poor masses. It is time for a change, Ajimotokin quipped.
The convener of the conference, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, opined that Tinubu’s administration had failed on arrival. Says his choice of ministers is all questionable as they are products of wanted persons on the EFCC list before appointments into this new government. Tinubu’s administration focuses on misplaced priorities like spending billions of Naira to sponsor Nigerian athletes for the Olympics yet whooped out, appointment of ministers based on preference, not area of specialization or field of expertise, destabilizing operations for Dangote refinery to function, and many other obstacles Tinubu administration has created for Nigerians.
Comrade Iche added that, with the latest development where some locals were bursted by the navy for illegally refining crude oil, the government should seize such opportunities to enhance this locals for voluminous production rather than apprehend them. He noted that the NNPC chairman, Mele Kyari, should be sacked for his irresponsible policies; Dangote and other refineries must function without blockages. Subsidy is an organized crime by the government, he said.
How CSOs can contribute positively to the state of the nation.
In contribution to the conflict of interest from civil societies, the human rights representatives in unism affirmed that civil societies should be in unity and fight for a single course to drive home a strong message to the government. Like in the days of Gani Fawemihin, Ransom Kuti, and Femi Falana. Many civil societies are now politicized, thereby giving room for monetized politics.
In the spirit of comradeship, CSO’s must advance the course of truth to the hearing of others even if they have to stand alone due to politicism and monetization allowed by some compromised civil societies.
What citizens should do at these critical times:
Comrade Daniel: “The battle for freedom should be aided by continuous and total participation in a nonviolent demonstration.”
Comrade Iche: “The person of Tinubu doesn’t care whether the masses survived or not with his recent exorbitant purchases. During the campaign, he didn’t make promises of any sort to Nigerians. Therefore, Nigerians should accept the harsh reality and begin to seek sustainable income generation; think outside the box, for the government doesn’t care.
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Comrade Neye Solomon: “If only every body could stay away from political party imposition of rights. Nigerians should continue to speak up about our plights; maybe the government will become responsive.
