The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has harshly criticized legislators, labeling them as “gangsters” for their inaction during Nigeria’s worsening security crisis under President Bola Tinubu.
The group condemned the lawmakers for neglecting their duties and taking a two-month recess despite the escalating insecurity affecting the nation.
In a statement released on Saturday, HURIWA decried the rising cases of kidnappings, describing Nigeria under Tinubu’s administration as a “failed state.” The organization expressed deep concern over the government’s inability to address the deteriorating security situation, noting that since Tinubu assumed office over a year ago, the crisis has only intensified, with kidnappers growing more brazen by the day.
“We are reaching a point where kidnappers may soon target homes directly, or begin extorting protection fees from citizens. They have demonstrated time and again their ability to abduct anyone, anywhere, with impunity,” the statement read.
HURIWA criticized the lack of transparency within Nigeria’s security forces, pointing to widespread corruption and a culture of impunity among the leadership. The group accused the President of either being complicit in these failures or too fearful of the military to take necessary action, as Tinubu has so far refused to remove the ineffective heads of key security agencies.
“A government that cannot guarantee the security of its citizens has lost its legitimacy,” the group asserted. “President Tinubu must take immediate and stern action to combat insecurity or resign, as his administration has clearly failed in its primary responsibility to protect Nigerians.”
HURIWA also directed criticism at the National Assembly, accusing lawmakers of neglecting their duties while the nation suffers. The association expressed outrage that legislators went on a two-month recess amid the growing insecurity, labeling them “a bunch of gangsters, more like legislative bandits.”
