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HURIWA slams Garba Shehu, insists Buhari’s government totally destroyed Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2023

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Malam Garba Shehu

HURIWA slams Garba Shehu, insists Buhari’s government totally destroyed Nigeria

…says Buhari should be in jail were Nigeria a civilised entity:

THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a scathing response to Garba Shehu’s recent defense of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. In a strongly worded critique, the prominent human rights organization challenged the attempt to present Buhari’s tenure as a successful battle against corruption and economic collapse. HURIWA argued that the reality of Buhari’s rule is far removed from the positive image painted by Shehu.

HURIWA said the immediate past administration so destroyed Nigeria from every angle and committed horrendous crimes against humanity that rather than speak and insult the sensibility of Nigerians, Garba Shehu and his ilk speaking for President Muhammadu Buhari should cover his face in shame for playing a role in the epic economic, security and social demolition of Nigeria by the disgraceful Muhammadu Buhari’s misadventures in Politics.

Highlighting its concerns, HURIWA, through a Press Statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Tuesday, cited numerous instances of corruption and mismanagement that unfolded during President Buhari’s time in office. Foremost among these issues is the controversial fuel subsidy regime, which, according to HURIWA, continuously drained the national treasury due to discrepancies in reported fuel consumption figures. The organization also pointed to the alarming scale of crude oil theft, which prevented Nigeria from meeting its OPEC production quotas, severely impacting the nation’s revenue.

HURIWA expressed astonishment that during Buhari’s tenure, no public entity, including the President, as the substantive minister of Petroleum Resources, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, or the National Assembly, with oversight powers over public expenditure, could accurately state the quantity of fuel consumed daily in Nigeria. “This lack of clarity led to substantial discrepancies in subsidy payments, indicating massive corruption condoned by Buhari’s government over eight years, despite recurring demands for accountability”.

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Furthermore, HURIWA criticized the Buhari government’s response to humanitarian crises, particularly in conflict-affected regions. It cited corruption allegations in various poverty alleviation programs, including the N-Power scandal, Conditional Cash Transfer, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, and the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme. HURIWA also mentioned the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for feeding school children during the COVID-19 lockdown, further eroding public trust in these programs.

The organization underscored that, despite campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, the Buhari administration failed to effectively address these issues, with corruption allegations plaguing various sectors and undermining the government’s credibility.

HURIWA faulted the Buhari government for interfering in corruption cases, citing instances where the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, allegedly obstructed the work of anti-graft agencies, leading to the suspension of crucial investigations. The organization claimed that such interference constituted a significant obstacle to genuine anti-corruption efforts.

Moreover, HURIWA slammed the appointment of individuals facing corruption trials as ministers and highlighted the lack of political will to enact policies to combat corruption effectively. It pointed out that Nigeria’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index remained alarmingly low, indicating the inadequacy of anti-corruption efforts.

“A penal regime that allows a former Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service, who stole N40 billion, to return just N1.5 billion in a plea bargain makes a mockery of President Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign. Again, fiscal governance that allows an Accountant-General of the Federation to allegedly siphon N109 billion is clearly ineffective”.

Continuing, the organization expressed concern that the Buhari administration’s achievements in recovering looted funds and securing convictions did not outlast the government, just as it cited instances where convicted individuals received pardons or were released prematurely, raising questions about the commitment to justice.

HURIWA concluded by likening President Buhari to a clever father who claims not to eat rat but shares rat meat with his children using his teeth. In direct contradiction to Garba Shehu’s portrayal of the Buhari administration as a champion against corruption and economic collapse, HURIWA argued that corruption thrived, humanitarian crises worsened, and security deteriorated under Buhari’s leadership. The organization called for accountability and justice for the alleged crimes committed during his tenure.

HURIWA recalled that a former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, had only Yesterday hinted that former President Muhammadu Buhari, destroyed the Nigerian economy in the eight years that he administered the country, insisting that the ex-Nigerian leader failed to listen to expert advice.

Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), spoke during a virtual religious event on Sunday. Sanusi said the Buhari administration ignored his advice on how to take Nigeria out of its economic woes just as he said thus: “(In the last eight years), the Central Bank continues to print more money, and the naira continue to depreciate. There is too much naira in circulation because the CBN is printing the currency without restraint.

The economy was poorly managed, and they were not willing to take advice; in the last eight years, apart from sycophancy, nothing has been done; those sycophants are those buying the dollar at the rate of N400 and selling it at the rate of N600 to N700. A boy who has no record of service has a private jet and owns houses in Dubai and England just because he is buying dollar at so so a rate and selling them.”

HURIWA slams Garba Shehu, insists Buhari’s government totally destroyed Nigeria

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Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

Published

10 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf

Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination was formally conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006, which mandates Senate approval before the appointment can take effect. The President urged lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process to ensure stability and continuity at the commission, especially as preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise gather momentum.

The development follows the resignation of Professor Abdullahi Usman, who stepped down earlier this week after about 14 months in office as NAHCON Chairman. Although official details surrounding his resignation were not fully disclosed, his tenure was marked by efforts to reposition the commission and enhance coordination of Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims.

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His exit comes at a sensitive period when logistical planning, airlift arrangements, accommodation coordination, and pilgrim welfare services for the upcoming Hajj are intensifying. Stakeholders in the Hajj industry have emphasized the importance of swift leadership confirmation to avoid disruptions in preparations.

Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. During his diplomatic assignment, he played key roles in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

If confirmed by the Senate, Yusuf will assume responsibility for overseeing Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah operations, including the welfare and coordination of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims traveling annually to Saudi Arabia. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is the statutory body responsible for organizing, supervising, and regulating Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims, as well as ensuring their welfare in Saudi Arabia.

The Senate is expected to schedule a confirmation hearing where Ambassador Yusuf will be screened by lawmakers. Upon approval, he will formally assume office as NAHCON Chairman, taking charge of preparations for the 2026 Hajj season.

The nomination is seen as part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen key institutions and ensure effective service delivery in religious affairs management.

Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

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Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

Published

12 hours ago

February 11, 2026

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday officially presented allocation letters to 180 traders affected by the redevelopment of Alabarago Market in Ojo Local Government Area, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to modernize markets and support small businesses. The ceremony took place at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) office in Ikeja GRA, with Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Renewal, handing over the letters.

Dr. Babatunde explained that former shop occupiers were given first right of refusal and flexible payment options. Beneficiaries can pay 60 percent upfront, with the remaining balance payable over six months, or opt for a 25 percent initial payment if unable to meet the larger installment. He noted that the state collaborated with financial institutions to redevelop the market under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which includes the transformation of 21 markets across Lagos, including Katangwa, Pelewura, Jankara, and Alabarago.

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The redevelopment has converted Alabarago, the largest cattle market in West Africa, into the modern Alaba Transnational Market, featuring 3,000 shops and 1.2 kilometers of newly constructed roads linking the market to main access routes. Ground-floor shops are priced at ₦13 million each, while upper-floor units cost ₦10 million, both subsidized by the government to ease affordability for traders.

Dr. Babatunde commended the collaborative efforts of agencies and partners supporting the project, including LABSCA, the Urban Renewal Agency, United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant-General’s office.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Hussain Lajawa, Chairman of Central Alabarago Market, praised the government for delivering on its promise to develop a market to international standards. He urged the authorities to expedite road construction and access infrastructure to ensure smooth business operations for traders relocating to the new market.

The allocation of shops to displaced traders underscores Lagos State’s commitment to economic empowerment, modern market infrastructure, and business continuity, while cushioning the impact of displacement caused by urban redevelopment projects. The move is expected to revitalize local commerce, particularly in the Ojo area, and strengthen Lagos State’s small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) sector.

Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

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US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Published

13 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Five United States lawmakers have introduced a bill in the US Congress seeking to impose visa restrictions and asset freezes on former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and other actors over alleged persecution of Christians and severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It directs the US Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress assessing Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations and the measures taken to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt states.

Under the bill, the US government could impose targeted sanctions, including Global Magnitsky Human Rights sanctions, asset freezes, and visa bans on individuals or entities responsible for religious persecution. It also allows the Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), reflecting growing concern over violence affecting Christian populations.

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Lawmakers cited estimates that between 2009 and 2025, between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, with more than 19,000 churches destroyed. They highlighted recent incidents, including attacks in Yelwata, the Christmas Eve massacres of 2023 and 2024, and Holy Week and Easter attacks of 2024 and 2025, which collectively left thousands dead and displaced over half a million people. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria accounted for 72 percent of Christians killed worldwide.

The bill also calls for the provision of humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Nigerian government, through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations. It encourages collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to strengthen religious freedom, peace, and accountability.

Sponsors stressed that the future of US–Nigeria relations would depend on the Nigerian government’s response to these alleged atrocities, asserting that Nigeria could strengthen ties with Washington and play a stabilising role in the Sahel region if it takes concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities and combat religious violence.

The legislation follows prior US actions, including the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under President Donald Trump, aimed at addressing ongoing religious freedom violations and promoting accountability for perpetrators of sectarian violence.