The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has vehemently denounced the disjointed and illogical calls by some groups for a military regime, which the organization deems nonsensical and unacceptable to millions of Nigerian democrats. Additionally, HURIWA has dismissed the Nigerian government’s unproven allegations that foreign entities are sponsoring the End Bad Governance protests.
HURIWA asserted that these allegations are baseless and serve as a diversion from the pressing issues facing the country. “No financially distressed and severely famished Nigerian would wait for a foreigner to dictate that it is time to protest and ask the government to ameliorate their plight,” the association stated.
HURIWA emphasized that those calling for military intervention are enemies of democracy and should face the full weight of the law. “Only through a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process can any political party gain power for a tenured period as specified by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” HURIWA affirmed.
In a media statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA criticized the government’s claims that the protests are being financed by foreign interests. Describing these claims as “Government Magic,” HURIWA insisted that the allegations are unfounded and distract from real issues.
HURIWA highlighted the severe economic hardship driving the protests, not foreign influence. “Since last year, Nigeria has experienced relentless inflation and price instability. Essential commodities have seen unprecedented price hikes, and the government has failed to implement effective regulations to curb this trend,” HURIWA stated.
The association condemned looters of public and private assets during protests as enemies of peaceful demonstrations. HURIWA called for those caught looting to be prosecuted and punished according to the law.
HURIWA also cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to support its stance on the economic crisis. “The average price of 1kg of local rice rose to ₦1,608.89 in May 2024, a 189.79% increase from ₦555.18 in May 2023. Similarly, the price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 219.05% from ₦629.75 in May 2023 to ₦2,009.23 in May 2024,” HURIWA noted, further debunking the government’s foreign sponsorship narrative.
Questioning the logic behind the government’s assertion, HURIWA asked, “Is it foreigners who need to tell Nigerians to protest the unprecedented hike in fuel prices? Is it foreigners who caused the fuel scarcity?” The organization argued that the protests are a natural response to the government’s failure to provide basic services and stabilize the economy.
HURIWA considered the government’s allegations an insult to Nigerians’ intelligence. “These fabrications that foreigners are behind the protests are mere lies. Nigerians have been pushed to the wall, and that’s why they are protesting,” the association stated.
HURIWA advised the government to focus on addressing the real issues plaguing the nation. The association stressed the need for economic policies that will restore price stability and improve living conditions, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the naira and control inflation.
In addition to debunking foreign sponsorship allegations, HURIWA addressed threats against Igbos in the South West of Nigeria. While welcoming the Lagos State Government’s recent statement condemning these threats, HURIWA believes more concrete actions are needed to ensure Igbo safety.
The association called on the federal government, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to take decisive action against those behind xenophobic threats. “The President’s statement that the law will deal with those planting Igbophobic posts on social media must be followed by clear directives to act swiftly and publicly against these hate crimes,” HURIWA demanded.
HURIWA underscored Nigeria’s obligation under international laws against genocide and crimes against humanity. “The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948 mandates the prevention and punishment of genocidal acts,” HURIWA noted.
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HURIWA called on the Nigerian government to stabilize the economy, protect all Nigerians’ rights, and bring those inciting violence and hate to justice. “Only by addressing these core issues can the government hope to restore trust and ensure the nation’s stability,” HURIWA concluded.
