The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a strong condemnation against what it describes as a coordinated smear campaign targeting the leadership of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The rights group raised the alarm on 19 December 2025, cautioning that these actions are designed to disrupt critical ongoing reforms within Nigeria's public procurement system.
Petition Lacks Genuine Concern, Says HURIWA
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA specifically mentioned a circulating document presented as a petition by a group called the Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA). The association stated that this document, which echoes previous allegations by Musa Aliyu, lacks any genuine concern for transparency or accountability. HURIWA asserts it is merely a tool used by vested interests to destabilize the current leadership of the BPP under Director-General Adebowale Adedokun.
The group revealed that there have been persistent attempts by certain individuals, both within and around the Bureau, to pressure officials into issuing Certificates of No Objection without adhering to the statutory requirements of the Public Procurement Act. The leadership's firm resistance to these unlawful pressures is cited as the primary reason for the retaliatory campaign.
Campaign Motivated by Revenge, Not Reform
HURIWA expressed deep concern that the architects of this smear campaign are collaborating with disgruntled former staff and individuals who were unsuccessful in previous bids for the Bureau's top position. According to the association, these parties remain unhappy with the transparent and merit-based process that led to the current Director-General's appointment.
"The goal of this campaign is revenge, not reform, and institutional capture, not accountability," Comrade Onwubiko emphasised. He warned the public and media against being misled by the petition, which he said relies on sensational claims and lacks verifiable evidence, solely aiming to provoke public outrage.
Call for Focus and Forward Action
HURIWA urged the media, the general public, and law enforcement agencies to see through what it called a "sponsored distraction." The group encouraged the BPP Director-General to remain steadfast in enforcing transparency, accountability, and strict compliance with the law.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the leadership of the BPP under Mr. Adebowale Adedokun has demonstrated that it has nothing to hide and nothing to fear from lawful scrutiny. However, no public institution should be subjected to blackmail, media trials, or petitions sponsored by disgruntled insiders masquerading as civil society," the statement read.
In a significant development, HURIWA welcomed reports that a comprehensive dossier is being compiled on individuals allegedly involved in attempts to improperly influence procurement processes and those participating in the smear campaign. The association recommended that this information be forwarded to relevant security agencies for an impartial and thorough investigation.
Comrade Onwubiko concluded with a firm resolution: "No amount of intimidation or coordinated noise should be allowed to derail vital reforms in Nigeria’s governance framework." The statement serves as a clear warning against attempts to undermine the integrity of Nigeria's public procurement system.
