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

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) restates its principled position on the urgent need for decisive action against politically exposed persons facing corruption allegations such as Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta state, Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the federation and minister of justice under Buhari, Mr.Salleh Mamman, just convicted for theft of N34 billion from ministry of Power, amongst a plethora of many accused persons including immediate past Kogi state governor Mr. Yahaya Bello facing charges of alleged theft of N80 billion from Kogi State treasury, who have all picked forms to run for political offices under All progressives Congress (APC) and the EFCC is conspiratorially silent and unwilling to name and shame them.

HURIWA stated emphatically that the EFCC could so so much to stop these persons from vying for public offices by naming and shaming them through direct correspondence to the All Progressives Congress, ADC and all other political parties, reminding the parties about the charges of corruption levelled against these persons. “EFCC is acting the play book of APC by refusing to take preventive, proactive steps to sensitise Nigerians through the media about the individuals who are facing charges of corruption.

Specifically, in line with its earlier public demand issued within the last seven days calling for transparency, accountability, and accelerated prosecution of such cases, the Rights group stayed that it is disappointing that the EFCC deliberately appears helpless but this same EFCC will be on the media spaces with photos of youngsters who are facing less criminal charges of advanced fees fraud compared to the massive thefts cases that the EFCC have presented against these politically exposed persons who are now buying up forms to contest for elective offices in the next election.

The prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) notes with concern the recent defence advanced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which argued that it lacks constitutional authority to prevent individuals under investigation from participating in elections.

While HURIWA acknowledges the legal limits of administrative agencies in electoral disqualification, it firmly maintains that this explanation does not address the deeper institutional failure at the heart of Nigeria’s anti-corruption enforcement system.

The core issue is not eligibility for elections in isolation, but the persistent failure to ensure timely, diligent, and publicly accountable prosecution of corruption allegations involving politically exposed persons. Where investigations and prosecutions are unduly delayed, suspects are effectively granted unrestricted political mobility, enabling them to continue participating in governance processes while their cases remain unresolved.

HURIWA observes that this pattern undermines public confidence in the justice system and creates the impression that anti-corruption enforcement is selectively applied depending on political status. This perception is dangerous for democracy, as it weakens deterrence and reinforces elite impunity.

The civil rights body HURIWA recalls that its earlier position specifically highlighted the risk of allowing individuals with unresolved corruption allegations to assume or seek public office, particularly legislative positions that may grant them oversight authority over the very anti-corruption institutions investigating them. This creates an inherent conflict of interest that threatens the independence and credibility of agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau. Politicians like Godswill Akpabio was once investigated by the EFCC over alleged diversion of humongous amounts of public funds but due to deliberate administrative bottlenecks, Akpabio’s case despite the massive publicity, never made it to the courts thereby letting Akpabio run for public office and has since become the number 4 citizen of Nigeria. Many prominent Senators and former governors have been indicted by EFCC but the EFCC doesn’t want to prosecute these persons for political considerations.

HURIWA is especially concerned that prolonged investigative delays have, in several past instances, enabled politically exposed persons to re-enter public office and acquire strategic influence before judicial determinations are reached. In such circumstances, the pursuit of justice becomes structurally weakened, as accused individuals may indirectly influence institutional processes connected to their own cases.

The Rights group cites the case of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside other politically exposed individuals whose cases have generated significant public concern but remain within prolonged investigative or pre-trial stages. HURIWA stresses that such situations should not persist without clear, transparent timelines and public accountability from the responsible agencies.

HURIWA further expresses concern that the recurring reliance on procedural or jurisdictional explanations risks obscuring the broader responsibility of the EFCC to act proactively, decisively, and transparently in the discharge of its mandate. The Commission is expected not only to investigate crimes but also to ensure that investigations lead promptly to prosecution where evidence exists.

HURIWA maintains that effective anti-corruption enforcement requires urgency, consistency, and equal application of the law, regardless of political affiliation or status. Any system that allows corruption cases to linger indefinitely while suspects actively participate in electoral politics risks normalising impunity.

HURIWA therefore calls on the EFCC to strengthen transparency by publicly disclosing the status of high-profile corruption investigations involving politically exposed persons, including timelines, procedural stages, and prosecutorial decisions already taken. This is necessary to restore public trust and demonstrate institutional seriousness.

The civil rights organisation HURIWA also urges Nigeria’s broader democratic institutions—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and civil society actors—to remain vigilant in safeguarding electoral integrity and ensuring that governance is not compromised by unresolved allegations of public fund diversion.

HURIWA reiterates that Nigeria’s fight against corruption cannot succeed if enforcement mechanisms are perceived as slow, selective, or politically influenced. The credibility of anti-corruption agencies depends not on rhetoric but on demonstrable action and timely justice.
Ultimately, HURIWA stresses that public office must not become a refuge for individuals with unresolved allegations of financial misconduct, and that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy depends on restoring accountability to the centre of public life.