The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day address, stating that it failed to adequately address the nation’s pressing security and economic challenges. In a statement released on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group expressed disappointment with the President’s June 12 broadcast, describing portions of the speech as repetitive and disconnected from the realities confronting many Nigerians.
Key Criticisms of the Speech
While acknowledging Tinubu’s recognition of the heroes of the June 12 struggle and his commitment to democratic values, HURIWA asserted that the address fell short of expectations on critical issues such as insecurity, unemployment, rising living costs, and threats to education. The group was particularly critical of the President’s stance on terrorists willing to surrender, arguing that the government should prioritize justice for victims rather than rehabilitation programs for those responsible for violent crimes.
“What exactly happens after terrorists surrender? Are Nigerians expected to continue witnessing a policy under which individuals responsible for mass killings are rehabilitated, reintegrated, and returned to society while victims and their families continue to suffer without justice?” the statement questioned.
Security Concerns
HURIWA maintained that the continued extension of surrender opportunities to terrorists sends the wrong signal, especially to communities that have endured years of attacks, abductions, and displacement. The association urged the Federal Government to focus on strengthening military operations and intelligence gathering to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across affected regions.
“The primary responsibility of government is to protect law-abiding citizens, not to negotiate endlessly with those who have declared war against the Nigerian state,” it stated.
The group also faulted the President for failing to address allegations of sabotage within the nation’s security system. It noted that concerns have persisted over claims that some individuals within security agencies leak operational information to criminal groups, undermining efforts to combat terrorism and banditry. HURIWA argued that Nigerians expected the Commander-in-Chief to outline specific measures for identifying and sanctioning such saboteurs.
Education and Economic Hardship
The rights group further expressed concern over what it described as the absence of a comprehensive plan to secure schools, especially in areas vulnerable to attacks by terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. It noted that persistent insecurity has forced many parents to keep their children away from school, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.
“Education is a fundamental human right. Yet many parents across Northern Nigeria remain fearful of sending their children to school because of persistent threats from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers,” the group said.
On the economy, HURIWA said the speech devoted considerable attention to government achievements and national honors but did not sufficiently address the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians. The association pointed to rising food prices, transportation costs, unemployment, and declining purchasing power as issues requiring more urgent government attention. According to the group, poverty and economic hardship pose serious threats to democratic stability and public confidence in government institutions.
Call for Action
HURIWA also observed that many of the themes contained in the speech had featured in previous national addresses and offered little in terms of fresh policy direction. While acknowledging the importance of recognizing individuals who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey, the association said citizens were more concerned about concrete improvements in security, job creation, education, and living standards.
It therefore urged the Federal Government to provide a clear and measurable roadmap for defeating terrorism, securing schools, addressing economic hardship, and strengthening democratic institutions.
“The sacrifices of the heroes of June 12 can only be truly honoured when democracy delivers security, justice, prosperity and hope to ordinary Nigerians,” the statement added.
