The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned in very strong terms the distribution of 496 brand-new SUVs each valued at a staggering N160 million to members of the National Assembly.
It specifically said that with over 133 million Nigerians experiencing multidimensional poverty, the distribution of over N100 billion worth of luxury cars to less than 500 National Assembly members remains an unforgivable legislative crime.
HURIWA in a statement on Sunday, October 22, 2023 noted that the unfortunate development as a glaring display of extravagant wealth by elected representatives while it was a severe affront on the Nigerian people going through excruciating difficult times and a grave injustice to the masses grappling with dire poverty.
The statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, asserted that the elected representatives, instead of addressing the severe poverty afflicting their constituents, chose to indulge in a reckless pursuit of personal aggrandizement thereby effectively betraying the trust placed on them by the Nigerian people.
In the words of HURIWA; “This act is not just an act of self-indulgence; it highlights the stark disconnect between lawmakers and the plight of the ordinary citizens they were elected to serve.
“Just last Monday, the National Bureau of Statistics disclosed that Nigeria’s inflation rate has climbed to 26.72 percent, marking a 0.92 percent increase from the previous month’s 25.80 percent”.
HURIWA therefore called for a united front, urging Nigerians from all walks of life to join together and protest against the self-indulgent lifestyle of the nation’s legislators, stressing that their actions were not just a gross misappropriation of public funds but also had the potential to exacerbate societal issues, including an increase in crime, political assassinations, and various forms of organized criminal activities.
HURIWA described the situation as the “YAHOO-YAHOO LEGISLATIVE STYLE,” which it stressed underscored the irony that elected representatives, who had campaigned on promises to enact laws that promote good governance, alleviate poverty, as well as enhance the welfare of the people, had ultimately resorted to the distribution of multi-billion Naira worth of palliatives, leaving their constituents in economic hardship.
It further said; “Of particular concern was the fact that the National Assembly embarked on this lavish expenditure without offering sustainable alternatives or cushioning measures to mitigate the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
While further condemning the action, HURIWA described it “atrocious, despicable, and reprehensible,” characterizing the move as nothing less than economic terrorism and a blatant sabotage of the people’s interests.
It also said that the Nigerian masses deserved better representation, adding that the time has come for a collective voice to hold elected representatives accountable for their actions.
HURIWA called on the National Assembly to reconsider the exorbitant decision and redirect the funds to projects that genuinely uplift the lives of the Nigerian people.
It urged Nigerians to stand up against the blatant injustice and demand accountability from those who had pledged to serve the public, saying; “It is time for Nigeria to see true leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens over personal enrichment”.
