The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration over deepening poverty and economic stagnation.
The CDHR advised that urgent measures to address the structural and policy failures responsible for the worsening economic indicators should be immediately taken.
The group expressed disappointment with the administration over its response to criticism, advising the President to stop bullying Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AFDB), over his recent comments on Nigeria’s poverty situation.
“We reaffirm that facts — not personalities —must remain the focus of national discourse,” the group advised.
It added that Dr Adesina’s comparison of Nigeria’s current poverty situation to that of the 1960s is a fact-based observation that deserves serious consideration, rather than personal attacks.
The group in a statement on Tuesday made available to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, by National Secretary, Comrade Gerald Katchy, stated that the government’s response to criticism should be constructive, rather than defensive and personal.
The CDHR emphasised that facts, not personalities, should remain the focus of national discourse.
“Reports on poverty levels and GDP performance are grounded in verifiable data from credible institutions, both local and international,” the group said.
“Shooting the messenger does nothing to change the harsh realities facing millions of Nigerians.”
The group urged President Tinubu’s government to engage with data constructively and prioritise policies that deliver real economic relief.
“Accountability, transparency, and action—not defensiveness — are the hallmarks of good governance,” the CDHR said.
The CDHR described Dr. Adesina as a respected figure known for his integrity, outstanding performance, and love for Nigeria.
It believes that his comments on the country’s poverty situation should be taken as a feedback mechanism, rather than being politicised.
The statement titled: “Focus on Facts, Not Attacks; Stop Bullying Dr. Adesina Akinwumi His Criticism Reveal the True about Nigeria Economy,” partly read:
“Rather than divert attention with personal attacks or political posturing, the government should urgently address the structural and policy failures responsible for the worsening economic indicators. Nigerians deserve solutions, not scapegoats that has become one too many.
“Dr Adesina is very respected for his integrity, outstanding performance and unconditional love for our country, his clarion remarks is supposed to be a feedback mechanism to a responsible government but unfortunately that is not the case here, rather than face the facts presented by all economy experts, PBAT allows his aides to politise everything, the government’s response is expected to come from fellow experts entrusted to manage our economy and not a media aide.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu’s government to demonstrate leadership by engaging with data constructively and prioritising policies that deliver real economic relief. Accountability, transparency, and action — not defensiveness — are the hallmarks of good governance.”
The CDHR’s statement highlights the need for the government to address the structural and policy failures responsible for Nigeria’s worsening economic indicators, rather than diverting attention with personal attacks or political posturing. (SaharaReporters)
