Rights Group Questions Use of Fuel Subsidy Savings, Cites Rising Living Costs and Persistent Insecurity
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over remarks blaming previous administrations and political opponents for hunger and poverty in the country, insisting that the current government must take responsibility for its economic policies and security challenges.
The rights organisation said the President’s comments at the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 re-election campaign flag-off in Kaduna raised concerns about his administration’s willingness to account for the impact of its policies on Nigerians.
At the rally, Tinubu reportedly said: “They created the hunger. They created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it.”
However, in a statement, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, argued that the APC could not continue to blame previous administrations after years in power.
The group maintained that while the Tinubu administration inherited existing economic challenges, it must also answer questions about the consequences of its own decisions, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and foreign exchange reforms.
HURIWA Demands Explanation on Subsidy Savings
HURIWA called on the Federal Government to explain how the savings from petrol subsidy removal had been utilised and identify the measurable benefits Nigerians had received from the policy.
According to the organisation, rising food prices, transportation fares, electricity tariffs and medicine costs have placed considerable pressure on households and small businesses.
It also urged the President to stop interpreting public complaints about hunger and economic hardship as political attacks, describing them instead as legitimate demands for transparency and accountability.
The association said Nigerians deserved clear information about government spending and the practical results of its economic reforms.
Group Raises Concerns Over Insecurity
Beyond economic issues, HURIWA expressed concern about persistent insecurity, accusing the administration of failing to provide satisfactory answers to the challenges facing affected communities.
The organisation called for explanations regarding efforts to rescue Nigerians reportedly held captive by terrorists and kidnappers in Borno, Kwara, Niger and other affected states.
It argued that the government’s responsibility extends beyond political exchanges with opponents to protecting citizens, addressing insecurity and improving living conditions.
HURIWA’s comments add to the ongoing public debate over the impact of the Federal Government’s economic policies, the rising cost of living and the measures required to address Nigeria’s security challenges ahead of the 2027 general election.