Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has criticised the economic direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of enriching the elite while deepening poverty among the majority of Nigerians.
Falana made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Channels TV, where he described the government’s policies as selectively beneficial and largely detrimental to the average Nigerian.
“For members of the government — and I’m talking of top officials — it’s been very rosy. One of them was singing a week ago that things are getting better,” he said.
He stated that for the rich, the bourgeoisie, things are getting better.
However, for the masses, things are getting tougher because they are going through an excruciating economic crisis.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
These changes have triggered a sharp increase in energy prices, transportation costs, and food inflation, making daily survival a struggle for many Nigerians.
Falana noted that despite repeated appeals from the President asking Nigerians to be patient, the reality on the ground remains dire.
“People are hungry,” he said, stressing that the economic hardship experienced by the masses contrasts sharply with the apparent comfort enjoyed by those in power.
He said, “In fairness to the President, on many occasions, he has asked Nigerians to bear with him, to exercise patience, that our economic programme will lead to prosperity
“Whether you believe that or not is another matter, but the government itself realises that there is a crisis in town, that people are hungry, that many are about to withdraw their children from school because of the rigid implementation of neoliberal policies dictated or endorsed by the IMF and World Bank.”
Falana called on the government to reject economic policies imposed by international financial institutions and instead focus on strategies that reflect Nigeria’s unique socio-economic conditions.
He also condemned the devaluation of the naira, highlighting its severe consequences on the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians.
“My position, which I have made repeatedly clear, is that the government must abandon the prescriptions of the Bretton Woods institutions and have confidence in Nigeria so that Nigerians can be given the opportunity to run this country in the interest of our people.
“If you devalue the currency of a country that is import-oriented, you are going to have an astronomical rise in the price of goods—and that is what has happened to our country. You devalue the currency, and you lose interest,” he said.
Falana urged Nigerians to play a more active role in holding their leaders accountable in a democratic system.
“I want to challenge Nigerians to appreciate that budgets are presented to the National Assembly by the President. Governors also present budgets to their respective Houses of Assembly. Nigerians must take these budgets, identify the items one by one, and ensure we follow up and monitor their execution.”
The human rights lawyer urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to curb premature political campaigns, emphasising that governance should be the current priority.
“I have seen a lot of politics going on and had expected INEC to intervene by saying, ‘We haven’t lifted the ban on electioneering; therefore, concentrate on governance for now.’” (SaharaReporters)
