Tinubu under fire over planned press conference in London
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has condemned as utterly shameful, the plan by three ministers of President Bola Tinubu to travel to London and hold a press conference on the achievements of the administration.
HURIWA said that the move was not only wasteful and insensitive, but also a total disregard of the worsening economic hardship the administration has thrown Nigerians into.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, further described the move as “an extravagant jamboree” amidst gripping poverty, insecurity, and inflation.
The ministers set for the “jamboree” are Nyesom Wike (FCT), Dave Umahi (Works), Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior).
“It is both disgraceful and inexcusable that ministers who have failed to deliver results at home are now flying to London to tell foreign audiences fairy tales of imaginary achievements,” Onwubiko said.
“Is it in London that Nigerians will suddenly feel the impact of these so-called legacy projects?”
The group slammed the planned event as a “propaganda-driven tour” designed to whitewash the administration’s poor performance, warning that no amount of overseas PR could mask the widespread suffering across the country.
“From the reckless removal of fuel subsidies to the floating of the naira, Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardship. Yet, the government is celebrating projects that people on the ground can’t even see,” Onwubiko added.
HURIWA also questioned the transparency surrounding the trip.
“The administration cannot call for national sacrifice and then turn around to fund luxury trips for image laundering. If these achievements were real, Nigerians would already be celebrating them in their homes and communities—not at a Hilton ballroom in London.”
HURIWA called for the immediate cancellation of the trip saying, “No carefully scripted presentation abroad can erase the hunger, joblessness, and insecurity that define life for the average Nigerian.”
The group called for investigation into the funding and purpose of the “criminally irresponsible” London conference, which it added, was an affront to public accountability.
“The people deserve leaders who stay home and work—not those who chase foreign applause while their citizens suffer.”
The APC UK Chapter Chairman, Tunde Doherty, had claimed the conference would “present the right narrative” about the Tinubu government.
