Human Rights Group Express Reproval Over Economic Downturn, Seek FG Swift Redress
By Onome Naomi
Comrade Prince Saviour Iche Founder of Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation (AMPEF) and other human rights body converge to discuss the economy situation in Tinubu’s administration during a press conference held in Lagos on 28th October, 2023.
Comrade Iche stated that the coalition have decided to hold the conference to register displeasure over the sufferings of the masses in the country, says Nigerians are in a very tough situation yet the present Government promised a positive change for Nigerians. In the last 8years, former president General Muhammadu Buhari promised to establish growth in the country, an unfulfilled promise which plunged the country into disarray after his tenure had elapsed.
Furthermore, the immediate past Election, had different parties in contention for presidency. As usual, a change to eradicate dire economic situation was promised by other contending parties, APC candidate in person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had a different agenda, he promised to continue where Buhari had stopped. It is dissapointing to know that the previous government did nothing other than an increase in insecurity, inflation.
Comrade Iche revealed that the situation of now is rather an unfortunate one, says he and other human right group also campaigned against Ebele Jonathan in 2012 for Muhammadu Buhari to take over power having being convinced by his Agenda to bring Change. To further buttress his point he said:
“We fought for Buhari to be in power but was disappointed. For the first six months in power, Buhari fought corruption by inaugurating the most corrupt politician we know into ministerial seats. At the end of 8years as president, he left the country worse than it was with no significant improvement.
Citizens became impoverished, can’t afford basic amenities or infrastructures due to unnecessary foreign borrowings. Banditry and terrorism gave rise to blood shed of civilians as well as uniform men. Information has it that the criminal elements who have perpetrated the act of blood shed were pardoned, brought back to the society and termed “Repentant Boko Haram”.
Aftermath of 2023 Election:
Comrade Iche said elections held in February 2023 was not done by merit but by crooked means which includes the irregularities of the BVAS transmission and other antecedents leading to the emergence of APC. Other parties who disputed the outcome of the election was displaced by supreme court judgement, making it difficult for citizens to stand against the verdict. The removal of fuel subsidy should have been actualized after implying measures to cushion its effect.
Iche said a letter was sent to the governor of lagos state requesting him to ease the burden imposed on the masses in Lagos by subsidizing food, Transport, drugs in public hospitals and so on. These measures to cushion hardship is yet unmet, says the govt. have a way of keeping people from challenging the irrational decisions made by keeping netizens impoverished through bad economy and inflation.
The second speaker Comrade Daniel Oguine in reference to the first speaker Comrade Iche said Netizens have problems with the absurdity in the democratic rule, the government policies and rule of law. Says the president appoints the INEC Chairman and the CJN who inturn appoints the judges to work with him. Therefore the important roles occupied to enforce the rule of law is appointed by the president to compromise on justice. A clear case of age falsification, certificate forgery was swept aside by the judiciary. More also, netizens do not know the real identity of president Tinubu.
The third speaker Mrs Agnes Ohiero said the rate of inflation on food, fuel, gas, rents and school fees is worrisome with the present harsh economy. The Governments’ effort in giving palliatives is insignificant to the rising pain and untold hardship melted out on hungry Netizens. In recent times, there has been protest, lamentation, individuals have also proffered solutions unwelcomed by the govt, while inflation overwhelms the masses. The idea of converging is to show solidarity in soliciting for govt intervention while urging mothers to keep at their best in proffering solutions to keep the home front running since the Govt. has failed in their duties, appeals for governments intervention in the present bad economy so as to avoid dire consequences from hungry and angry citizens.
The fourth speaker Comrade Olusegun Adeeeko said Immediately Tinubu got elected into presidency, Nigerians started wailing in anticipation of a non progressive economy due to the handler. Tinubu’s first presidential assignment (the removal of subsidy) plunged Nigerians into poverty,
Tinubu engineered APC for Buhari’s re-election in 2015 with false promises to build refineries if elected. In 2023, Tinubu became the President, removed fuel subsidy, an insensitive move towards proper growth as well as the plight of Nigerians. More also, his senatorial and ministerial nominees are corrupt leaders with EFCC cases either resolved or pending for fraudulent activities of money laundering.
Comrade Olusegun stated that dollar is uncontrollably on the increase against Naira, the youths after tertiary education finds it difficult to get a suitable job. He said as an industrialist, it is a finding fact that companies are folding up due to hike in petroleum products. Grants, loans disbursed to entrepreneurs as claimed by the government are all Fallacy.
Furthermore, the Government does not value small businesses, meanwhile small businesses have the largest employers of unskilled labour. Comrade … made a reference to big scale business such as Dangote refinery which was said to be the largest individually owned refinery in the world. It was quickly commissioned as one of the achievements of the outgoing government yet non operational.
He said:
Nigeria is blessed with natural resources yet have stagnant economy and loan deficits accrued. To worsen issues, FGN get directives from world bank for funding of projects.
The judiciary system which happens to be the last hope of the common man is now hope of the rich and corrupt.The judiciary only punishes the crime of the poor while so many government officials that have stolen generational money walks free.
The Government closed borders claiming arms was being trafficked to Nigeria for terrorists yet terrorist still get arms through same closed borders, food prices increases daily thereby activating suffering in the Nation. The opened borders are still not functional,clearing goods from the ports is a call for concern with the exorbitant fee attached.
Rice importation was stopped so as to patronize home grown rice, the rice produced within the country for consumption is not enough for the masses to consume leading to price hike. Again, insecurity issues had driven farmers out of their farms.
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The Educational system is in shambles as students spend longer years in the University due to constant strike resulting from govt delay in lecturers salary payment. After school, there are no befitting jobs which could lead to situations like internet fraud and petty theft. Although in recent times the youths have been very creative with proffering job solutions for themselves rather than wait on job provisions from the govt.
Comrade Chris Emelifionwu in solidarity with other contributors task the govt on a support system that can enhance economic growth to ease the hardship Netizens are currently facing. It is a must- do task by the FGN.
