The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a scathing indictment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, demanding that the President takes transparent and open steps to crush kidnappers or he tenders immediate resignation over the escalating crisis of insecurity marked by incessant kidnappings and killings across the nation. According to HURIWA, the alarming state of security, particularly the widespread and brazen kidnappings, has reached a level that unequivocally proves Nigeria is a failed state under Tinubu’s leadership.

In a statement released on Saturday HURIWA lambasted the President for his failure to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens, a fundamental duty of any government. The human rights group emphasized that the current administration’s lack of commitment, passion, transparency, and accountability within the security sector is a testament to its inability to effectively address the spiraling security challenges.

HURIWA argued that President Tinubu’s failure to tackle the kidnapping crisis is not a matter of incapacity but a glaring lack of political will. The group noted that in over one year since Tinubu assumed office, the situation has only worsened, with kidnappers becoming more emboldened. “We are at a point where kidnappers will soon be going from house to house or even start demanding protection fees from citizens. This is because they have proven time and again that they can abduct anyone at any time, regardless of where they are in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The group further accused President Tinubu of enabling a culture of corruption and impunity within Nigeria’s security agencies. “There is no transparency within our security outfits. Corruption is rife, and impunity is the order of the day among the top brass. The President’s refusal to change the heads of these failed security departments suggests he is either complicit or simply too scared of the military to act decisively,” HURIWA stated.

The organization argued that the ongoing insecurity under Tinubu’s administration renders his government illegitimate. “If a government cannot guarantee the security of its citizens, it has lost its legitimacy. President Tinubu should, therefore, tackle insecurity sternly or resign immediately, as his administration has failed in its primary duty to protect Nigerians,” HURIWA declared.

HURIWA also criticized the National Assembly for its perceived negligence, accusing lawmakers of abandoning their responsibilities while Nigerians continue to suffer. The group expressed outrage that the National Assembly went on a two-month recess despite the worsening insecurity, describing the legislators as “a bunch of gangsters, more like legislative bandits.”

“These legislative bandits are reaping enormous financial benefits while doing nothing to address the critical issues facing this country. Nigerians have tolerated these legislative bandits for too long. They have no vision for ending the insecurity because they are more concerned with their political ambitions, including eyeing the 2027 elections,” HURIWA said.

Additionally, the human rights group questioned the President’s commitment to ending the insecurity in the South East, particularly the alarming killings in Imo State, where eight people were recently massacred in a village. “The President didn’t say anything about it. Is it because the victims were Igbos? President Tinubu’s silence and inaction suggest he is either insensitive to or indifferent about the plight of the people in the South East,” HURIWA asserted.

HURIWA went on to accuse President Tinubu of harboring animosity towards the Igbos, citing his failure to fulfill his campaign promise to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). “During his campaign, Tinubu promised to release Nnamdi Kanu and negotiate with IPOB.

“Tinubu said the negotiation with all agitators would ensure peace in the Southeast if elected president in 2023. He pledged during the APC presidential and governorship campaign rally in Ebonyi State in November 2022. It has been over a year since he became President, and that promise remains unfulfilled. Kanu didn’t commit any offense to warrant even a day in prison, yet he’s been illegally detained for years,” HURIWA noted.

The organization argued that Kanu’s continued detention is exacerbating the security situation in the South East, where the sit-at-home orders enforced by pro-Biafra groups have led to chaos and violence. “The illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu is the reason these groups are enforcing sit-at-home orders, leading to needless killings and economic disruption. Yet, President Tinubu seems content to let the South East deteriorate just like his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari,” HURIWA added.

HURIWA also criticized the South East governors, labeling them “Executive Bandits” who are more interested in clinging to power than addressing the insecurity in the region. “Most of these governors didn’t win elections fairly; they rigged and bribed their way to power. That’s why they are indifferent to the killings and kidnappings in their states,” the group alleged.

The human rights group concluded by urging President Tinubu to exercise his diplomatic powers to address the insecurity in the South East, particularly by engaging with foreign governments where some of the individuals allegedly instigating the violence reside. “As the sovereign head of Nigeria, President Tinubu has the authority to negotiate with the sovereign heads of other countries to bring those destabilizing the South East to justice. However, his reluctance to do so further highlights his administration’s failure to prioritize the security and well-being of Nigerians,” HURIWA stated.

The organization called on the Nigerian people to demand accountability from their leaders, insisting that the current state of insecurity is a direct result of failed leadership. “Nigeria is at a crossroads. If we don’t hold our leaders accountable, the situation will only worsen. We cannot afford to have a President who is more concerned with securing his political future than with protecting the lives of his citizens. It’s time for President Tinubu to step down,” HURIWA concluded.