By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned what it described as the “uncivil, reckless and disgraceful conduct” of Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his recent outburst during a television programme.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the association said Olayinka’s conduct fell far below the standards expected of anyone occupying a sensitive public communication office funded by Nigerian taxpayers.
HURIWA stated that the deployment of gutter language and uncouth expressions by a spokesperson attached to a cabinet-level public official was “absolutely reprehensible and unacceptable in any decent democratic society.”
The group particularly condemned what it described as the “unprintable and disrespectful remarks” directed at former Minister of Special Duties and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tanimu Turaki, stressing that such verbal attacks against a respected elder statesman and legal luminary were “totally outrageous, shameful and despicable.”
According to HURIWA:
“This spokesman of Wike appears unfit for public office. His comments consistently lack decorum, civility, respect for elder statesmen, and the maturity expected of someone occupying a public communication role. His combative and uncouth disposition reflects poorly on the office he represents.”
The association further stated:
“His deployment of gutter language unbecoming of someone being paid with taxpayers’ money is absolutely reprehensible. The unprintable words he used against the person of former Minister of Special Duties and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, are totally outrageous and despicable. The so-called spokesperson to the FCT Minister should first be enrolled in a short course on media relations and public communication before he can be considered qualified to speak for a cabinet-level appointee. He comes across as garrulous, illogical, cantankerous, and unsound in his arguments. This is deeply unfortunate.”
HURIWA faulted Olayinka’s remarks while reacting to discussions surrounding the Supreme Court judgment on the Peoples Democratic Party’s national secretary position, noting that instead of engaging issues constructively, he resorted to personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.

We in HURIWA agree with the erudite opinion by a communications strategist who says that in politics and public communication, the responsibility placed on spokespersons is enormous. A careless statement, a reckless allegation, or a deliberate attempt to sensationalize issues for partisan gain can unnecessarily inflame tensions, damage reputations, and distort facts already before competent courts. This appears to be the situation arising from comments made on national TV by a spokesperson for the FCT Minister regarding the issues between Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and his former close friend and we in the organised civil society community are shocked that such a person is holding such a high profile office serviced by Nigerian taxpayers.

Contrary to the impression allegedly created during the TV appearance, the matter before the High Court of the FCT, Abuja, does not contain any allegation that the learned SAN had an immoral relationship with the wife of his former associate.
The rights group warned that the increasing trend of verbal hostility, insults, and reckless public commentary by political spokespersons poses a serious threat to democratic culture, political tolerance, and healthy national discourse.
The association urged political appointees and their media aides to embrace responsible communication, civility, and issue-based engagement capable of promoting unity and strengthening democratic values rather than deepening divisions through needless verbal attacks.

By George Mgbeleke

Pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the escalating war against freedom of expression, civic engagement and constitutional democracy being waged by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police and other coercive institutions of the Nigerian state.

What Nigerians are witnessing today is the dangerous weaponisation of state power to silence critics, terrorise activists and criminalise dissent. The arrest, detention and oppressive prosecution of civil rights voices such as Omoyele Sowore, Mark Chidiebere and others amount to a direct assault on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nigeria is gradually sliding into authoritarianism under a democratic facade.

The case of activist Mark Chidiebere, reportedly arrested for speaking about the poor feeding and welfare conditions of troops fighting terrorists, is a disgraceful example of how low this government has sunk in its intolerance of truth.

Mark Chidiebere is a prisoner of conscience.

What he reportedly said is not new. Serving and retired military personnel have repeatedly raised similar concerns publicly. Instead of addressing the welfare crisis affecting troops risking their lives daily, the DSS and military authorities are wasting taxpayers’ money hunting down citizens for speaking uncomfortable truths.

HURIWA asks President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the political elite:
Do you feed your families the same way many of our troops are allegedly fed in the theatres of war?

How much is budgeted yearly for feeding at Aso Rock, the Presidency and top government offices?

Why should political office holders live in obscene luxury while soldiers battling terrorists face neglect, poor welfare and inadequate support?

We demand that President Tinubu immediately slash by at least 50 percent the bloated feeding and welfare budgets attached to the Presidency, the Vice President’s office and top government functionaries, and redirect those funds toward the welfare, feeding, medical support and operational needs of troops confronting terrorists and bandits across Northern Nigeria.

It is morally indefensible for politicians to feast while soldiers bleed.

HURIWA is also alarmed that public institutions, including sections of the judiciary, increasingly appear captured and weakened by executive influence, thereby enabling politically motivated prosecutions and suppression of constitutional freedoms.

The growing climate of fear, intimidation and abuse of power under the current administration is becoming more frightening than some of the darkest periods of Nigeria’s military dictatorship.

History will not be kind to leaders who use security agencies as instruments of repression against their own citizens.
We call on the international community, democratic governments, the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and global human rights organisations to urgently place Nigeria under close democratic and human rights watch.

The DSS, Police and military authorities must immediately stop the persecution of activists and critics and focus instead on improving the welfare and working conditions of their personnel, many of whom are themselves victims of Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship and inflation crisis.

Nigeria belongs to the people — not to a handful of powerful individuals who believe criticism is a crime.

We therefore demand:
Immediate and unconditional release of all detained civil rights activists.
An end to politically motivated prosecutions and harassment of dissenting voices.
Respect for constitutional freedoms of speech, association and civic participation.
Independent investigation into abuses committed by security agencies against civilians.

Immediate improvement in the welfare and operational conditions of troops and security personnel.

Democracy dies when citizens become afraid to speak.

A recent video of Senator Adams Oshiomhole praising Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has once again drawn national attention to the leadership style of the 10th National Assembly.

In the widely circulated clip, Oshiomhole described Akpabio’s leadership as exceptional, noting that the Senate President has succeeded in attracting politicians from opposition parties into the APC without intimidation, coercion, or public hostility.

According to Oshiomhole, several political actors who were once fierce opponents of the ruling party are now joining the APC voluntarily because of the atmosphere of accommodation and engagement fostered by Akpabio. In his characteristic humorous style, Oshiomhole even suggested that Akpabio deserved a Guinness World Record for engineering such political realignments with remarkable ease.

The comments have naturally generated debate. Supporters of the Senate President see them as validation of Akpabio’s bridge-building capacity, his ability to reduce political tension, and his commitment to consensus-driven leadership. Critics, predictably, dismiss the remarks as routine political praise often associated with power dynamics. Yet Senator Adams Oshiomhole has long cultivated a reputation for speaking his mind regardless of political convenience, personal relationships, or prevailing sentiments. That is precisely why his remarks have attracted unusual attention within political circles.

However, beyond the noise, one fact remains undeniable: the leadership of the 10th Senate has emerged as one of the most discussed and consequential institutions since the inauguration of the current administration.

Since assuming office in June 2023, Akpabio has consistently projected himself as a leader committed to stability, inclusion, and institutional cooperation. In his inaugural address as Senate President, he described his emergence not as a personal triumph but as a collective victory for democracy and national unity. He pledged to lead with fairness, integrity, and teamwork while placing national interest above partisan considerations.

Recognizing that disagreement is natural in any democracy, he nevertheless argued that the Senate must rise above division and focus on its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, security, and economic reform.

That message resonated deeply at a time when Nigerians were already anxious about governance challenges, economic uncertainty, and widening political polarization.

Akpabio promised a Senate that would work constructively with the Executive without abandoning its constitutional duty as a check on power. He described the institution as “a Senate for all Nigerians,” while repeatedly emphasizing the ideals of “servant leadership” and “uncommon leadership” — phrases that have since become closely associated with his political identity.

This leadership approach has brought a measure of calm and stability to the Senate. Unlike previous assemblies that were often characterized by internal turmoil and prolonged confrontations with the Executive, the 10th Senate has maintained a functional and productive relationship with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

For many political observers, such cooperation has become increasingly necessary in a period marked by inflationary pressures, insecurity, unemployment, and mounting debt obligations.

Several public figures have openly endorsed Akpabio’s leadership style. Governor Monday Okpebholo has praised his transformational and development-oriented approach, while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described him as visionary, patriotic, and instrumental in strengthening the National Assembly as an institution.

Akpabio has also received multiple recognitions for legislative integrity, institutional leadership, and democratic governance, further reinforcing his leadership credentials.

At the international level, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh credited the Senate President with helping Nigeria regain visibility and relevance within the Inter-Parliamentary Union, describing it as a significant diplomatic achievement. To many observers, this reflects a leadership that is increasingly conscious of Nigeria’s image beyond domestic politics.

Akpabio has repeatedly emphasized inclusiveness as a governing philosophy. Across several public engagements, he has advocated greater opportunities for women, expanded support for persons living with disabilities, youth empowerment, innovation, and technology-driven growth.

He has consistently argued that Nigeria’s future depends largely on preparing young people for a knowledge-based economy while creating legislative frameworks that encourage entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and alternative revenue streams beyond oil dependency.

This philosophy is perhaps most visibly reflected in his home state of Akwa Ibom State, where the working relationship between Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno has significantly altered the state’s political atmosphere.

Both leaders have consistently promoted inclusive politics, helping to reduce tensions and foster a stronger sense of participation among political stakeholders and ordinary citizens alike. The result has been increased cooperation across party lines and broader support for developmental initiatives within the state.

Rather than encouraging rivalry or political fragmentation, Akpabio has openly supported Governor Eno’s developmental agenda, helping to de-escalate political tensions and strengthen public confidence in governance. For many residents, governance in Akwa Ibom now appears less like a contest for personal supremacy and more like a coordinated effort toward collective progress.

Akpabio’s support has also enhanced Akwa Ibom’s visibility at the federal level. As Senate President, his influence has helped attract greater national attention to the state, encouraging stronger collaboration between Akwa Ibom and the Federal Government on infrastructure, human capital development, and economic initiatives.

The political stability arising from this cooperation has equally reassured investors and development partners, who traditionally prefer predictable political environments before committing resources.

Governor Eno’s administration has benefited considerably from this atmosphere of stability. Policies relating to rural development, agriculture, job creation, and social welfare have enjoyed wider acceptance because political leaders within the state are no longer pulling in opposing directions.

Many political observers now regard this partnership as one of the most stable and constructive political relationships witnessed in Akwa Ibom State since its creation.

These developments align closely with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition the Nigerian economy through fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, investment attraction, and institutional restructuring.

The administration’s difficult but strategic decisions — including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, and fiscal adjustments — have been defended by government officials as necessary foundations for long-term national recovery and growth, despite the temporary hardship they have imposed on citizens.

This reality makes the role of the National Assembly even more critical. The legislature must not only pass reform-oriented laws but also ensure rigorous oversight to guarantee that government policies ultimately translate into measurable benefits for ordinary Nigerians.

Akpabio has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the Senate will continue to protect national interest while supporting policies capable of driving economic recovery and sustainable development.

Even amid the growing commendations directed at him, Akpabio often redirects much of the credit to President Tinubu, presenting himself as part of a broader national team rather than as a solitary political force.

He has consistently praised the President’s efforts to restore investor confidence, rebuild public trust, and reposition Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He frequently references major national infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Lagos–Maiduguri corridor as evidence of long-term strategic planning aimed at reconnecting neglected regions and modernizing transportation infrastructure across the country.

Akpabio has equally highlighted the establishment of regional development commissions across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones as evidence of a deliberate effort to ensure inclusiveness and balanced national development. In a nation often challenged by ethnic and regional tensions, such messaging continues to resonate strongly.

On matters of security, the Senate President has remained publicly supportive of ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. At a time when security remains one of the nation’s gravest concerns, his support reinforces the image of institutional cooperation between the legislature and the Executive.

One particularly notable aspect of his recent political messaging has been his reference to growing endorsements for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. According to Akpabio, such endorsements are not arbitrary political gestures but are rooted in what supporters perceive as visible governance outcomes.

Oshiomhole’s remarks also reveal an enduring reality in Nigerian politics: party strength is no longer measured solely by electoral victories but increasingly by the ability to attract influential figures from rival political platforms. Political defections often symbolize shifting national power dynamics, and Oshiomhole’s comments portray Akpabio as a leader capable of expanding political influence through persuasion rather than confrontation.

Still, Akpabio continues to present himself as a leader who prefers partnership over division. His speeches consistently emphasize dialogue, teamwork, inclusiveness, and national cohesion. He regularly reminds lawmakers that although they may have emerged through different political parties, they ultimately represent one nation and one people.

Whether one agrees with his politics or not, Akpabio has undeniably become one of the most visible, influential, and closely watched political figures in contemporary Nigeria. His ability to maintain cohesion within the Senate, sustain alignment with the presidency, and attract endorsements from major political actors has significantly consolidated his standing within the national political landscape.

For supporters, this continued momentum further reinforces the sobriquet that has followed him for years: the “Uncommon Transformer.”

Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, MNIPR
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, and Official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate