Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) has berated President Muhammadu Buhari for donating 10 SUVs worth N1.14bn to the Republic of Niger.
The group National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, said the nepotistic gesture to Niger Republic shows where Buhari’s original allegiance and patriotism lie as evident in his many constructions linking Nigeria to the desert country.
Recall that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on Wednesday, argued that Buhari has a responsibility to approve N1.14bn to purchase 10 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicles for the Nigerien government “in the best interests of the country”
Reacting to the Development, HURIWA’s Onwubiko stated, “The fresh donation of SUV vehicles to the Niger Republic where President Buhari has cousins is evidence of where his allegiance, patriotism and loyalty lie.
“Any wonder then that terrorists from Niger Republic come into Nigeria in droves to kill, maim, destroy and cart away billions of cash as ransom back to develop Niger Republic and the President does next to nothing.
“Buhari must clear his patriotism amidst allegations of helping to build Niger Republic whilst accusations of Niger’s involvement in terrorism in North West heightens.
“It is condemnable that whilst Nigerians grapple with so many challenges including poverty, unemployment, terrorism, amongst others that need financial intervention, President Buhari finds his priority in Niger Republic, even at a time when the Academic Staff Union of Universities has been on strike for over six months with students of tertiary institutions at home.
“And to think that ASUU’s demand is N1.1trn and Buhari splurged what would have been part of the money on Niger Republic.
“The romance between Niger Republic and Nigeria is more evident as President Mohammed Bazoum honoured the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawall, with a national award on security in Niger Republic. What an irony!
“According to the United States’ Department of State, ‘Niger is the only country in the world with ISIS-affiliate presence on three borders.
