The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized Garba Shehu’s recent defense of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. In a forceful rebuke, the prominent human rights organization challenged Shehu’s portrayal of Buhari’s tenure as a successful battle against corruption and economic collapse, asserting that the reality was far bleaker.
HURIWA argued that the previous administration had severely damaged Nigeria from every angle, committing grave crimes against humanity. They stated that instead of insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians, Garba Shehu and those representing President Muhammadu Buhari should feel ashamed for their roles in the economic, security, and social deterioration of Nigeria during Buhari’s tenure in politics.
HURIWA, through a press statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, pointed to various instances of corruption and mismanagement during President Buhari’s time in office. They highlighted issues such as the controversial fuel subsidy regime, crude oil theft, and the lack of transparency in fuel consumption figures. HURIWA also criticized the government’s handling of humanitarian crises and raised concerns about corruption allegations in poverty alleviation programs.
The organization faulted the Buhari government for interfering in corruption cases, noted the appointment of individuals facing corruption trials as ministers, and criticized the lack of political will to combat corruption effectively. They emphasized that Nigeria’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index remained alarmingly low.
HURIWA also recalled the former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi’s recent statement, where he criticized Buhari’s economic management, stating that the economy was poorly managed, and expert advice was ignored, leading to the depreciation of the naira and economic challenges. Sanusi criticized the excessive printing of currency and the exploitation of exchange rates by some individuals.
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HURIWA concluded by likening President Buhari’s claims of fighting corruption to a clever father who shares rat meat with his children while claiming not to eat rats himself. Contrary to Garba Shehu’s portrayal, HURIWA argued that corruption, humanitarian crises, and security issues worsened under Buhari’s leadership. They called for accountability and justice for alleged crimes committed during his tenure.
