Rights Group Raises Alarm Over Collapse Of Economy & Security Situation

KINGSLEY EBERE 

Coalition of Human Rights groups has raised alarm over the collapse of the economy and worsening security situations while calling on the Federal Government to quickly intervene in order to alleviate the sufferings of the people in Nigeria. 

 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the group stated this on 20th January, 2024, during a press conference held in Lagos on the state of the nation, which was attended by different human rights groups to come together as the watchdog through advocacy for better society.

The coordinator of the group, who is also the president of Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation (Voice of the Voiceless) AMPEF, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, stated that the current economic and insecurity situation are caused by bad leadership and there was need for human rights community to come together to address it.

 

Comrade Iche regretted that Nigeria, once-celebrated as giant of Africa, is now a shadow of itself, noting that the youths, posses so much talents yet lack the capacity to develop those talents due to bad leadership.

He stated that there was need to create new pressure groups that will cut across the nation to demand accountability from the leaders as those whom Nigerians once embraced as role models to speak for them have compromised.

“The Bishops and pastors are busy at Abuja looking for contracts, leading to the mockery of Christianity as a religion. The killings of Christians in Jos in recent times were never really addressed, the only solution proffered by religious leaders was the display of placards rather than grossly addressing the situation for a lasting solution.”

On the economy, Comrade Ichie stated that there is no remedy on the Dollar-to-Naira increase because Nigeria is a consuming nation and the few companies are dying and going into extinction due to low sales.

“Foreign partners who do not have access to products from Nigeria due to border closure now produce their own, leading to a reduction in cross-country trade. Unemployment also increased, and as a consuming nation, things are 10 times more expensive than in 2015.”

“There is serious inflation issues; the Naira is becoming worthless by the day; Nigeria has uncountable natural resources, yet the focus is on crude oil while other natural resources are being marginalised by foreigners. The mass looting of government funds is ongoing without check and Billions announced as being allocated to micro entrepreneurs is a lie.”

Iche suggested that Nigerians should focus on being industrialists rather than religious bigots, the youth should engage in skill acquisition because school has become a scam and we should elect right leaders through our votes who will be accountable to the people.

Another speaker, Comrade Leye, talked on the fuel subsidy removal, insisting its purpose has not served better for the well-being of the masses. He said the irregularities seen in pump prices at different locations show President Tinubu is not aware of the reality out there. He suggested that the issue of Modular refineries should be encouraged by bringing in independent marketers to address the issue of fuel price  hike which he blamed on the wrong figures declared on number off oil barrels produced.

Another speaker, Comrade Evangelist Daniel Oguine, talked about checking strictly the activities of Tinubu’s ministers and other lawmakers, as seen in the case of Minister of Interior, Betta Edu. He stated that the president should have the political will and moral justification to do what is beneficial to the masses,insisted that Tinubu’s government has become worse by the economic hardship, insecurity and inflation affecting the masses.

 

Comrade Chris Chuka, also spoke on transportation across the States which has greatly affected the economic activity by the difficulty experienced in the day-to-day activities of people. He urged  the Federal and state governments to create an effective transportation system for the masses and goods, as well as work on insecurity.