HURIWA Blasts Tinubu Ministers Over Planned Trip to London to Showcase Achievements
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned plans by key ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to travel to London for an international press conference aimed at promoting the administration’s “achievements and legacy projects.”
Describing the planned event as a “monumental show of irresponsibility,” HURIWA said the trip was a wasteful, tone-deaf public relations stunt that ignores the dire economic and social conditions in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group blasted the proposed trip as an unjustifiable use of public funds at a time when Nigerians are suffering from economic hardship, insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure.
Reports suggest that the ministers expected to travel include the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
The event is reportedly being coordinated by Bode Adeyemi, Project Internal Coordinator of the President Bola Tinubu Midterm Legacy Projects Review Committee.
HURIWA said the plan to host the event abroad was insensitive and questioned why the government chose to engage foreign media instead of addressing the Nigerian public directly.
“It is both disgraceful and inexcusable that ministers who have failed to communicate transparently with Nigerians at home, and failed to improve public services, are now flying abroad to peddle imaginary success stories,” the group said.
The organisation accused the administration of abandoning urgent domestic challenges in favour of international image-laundering.
It also cited policies like the fuel subsidy removal without adequate cushioning, naira devaluation, inflation, and insecurity as evidence of failed governance—not achievements to be celebrated.
“These are not achievements to be showcased abroad but failures to be accounted for at home,” Onwubiko stated.
HURIWA called for the immediate cancellation of the London trip and urged the National Assembly to summon the ministers involved to justify the cost and purpose of the event.
It questioned whether the expenditure had parliamentary approval.
“It is hypocritical for the same ministers who ask Nigerians to endure hunger for future gains to embark on luxury tours in Europe,” the statement added.
The group also criticised a comment by APC UK Chapter Chairman, Tunde Doherty, who claimed the London event would help “present the right narrative” of the administration.
HURIWA warned against any attempt to mislead the international community.
“No amount of choreographed press conferences in London can erase the suffering of Nigerians,” Onwubiko declared.
He concluded that what Nigerians need are leaders who will stay at home and work to improve lives—not those chasing global validation while their citizens suffer.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
