HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Politicisation of Paris Club Refund

HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Politicisation of Paris Club Refund

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has weighed into the renewed controversy surrounding the Paris Club refund, calling for strict adherence to the rule of law amid allegations involving Ned Nwoko.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group cautioned against what it described as rising misinformation and politicisation of a matter it insists is fundamentally legal and contractual.

HURIWA said the dispute centres on a consultancy agreement reportedly entered into between a firm linked to Nwoko and government authorities over services rendered in the recovery of Paris Club refunds for states and local governments.

According to the group, “such agreements are governed by contractual obligations, judicial pronouncements, and administrative processes not by public sentiment or political convenience.”

The association noted that Nwoko has consistently maintained that the consultancy arrangement was lawful, duly executed, and subjected to multiple investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), none of which indicted him.

It added that, based on his claims, “relevant records exist within key institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria,” documenting the transactions.

HURIWA stressed that these assertions should not be dismissed without verifiable counter-evidence, insisting that the burden of proof lies with those making contrary allegations.

“We therefore challenge all individuals and groups disputing Senator Nwoko’s position to publish documentary evidence,” the statement read, warning that unverified claims risk misleading the public and damaging reputations.

The group also expressed concern over what it described as the growing trend of “trial by media,” urging stakeholders to rely on due process rather than speculation.

The Paris Club refund traces back to deductions made from allocations due to states and local governments for the repayment of Nigeria’s external debts to the Paris and London Clubs. Over time, discrepancies were identified in these deductions, leading to efforts to recover overpaid sums.

Legal and consultancy interventions, including those linked to Nwoko, contributed to the process that eventually saw billions of dollars refunded to subnational governments.

However, the issue later became controversial, particularly over claims for consultancy fees running into hundreds of millions of dollars, with disagreements between consultants and state governments sparking legal battles and public debate.

In recent years, Nwoko has maintained that his firm carried out legitimate contractual work and that multiple EFCC investigations upheld the validity of the engagement, though disputes over outstanding payments persist.

HURIWA warned that undermining agreements backed by court judgments and official processes could damage Nigeria’s credibility and deter investment.

“Contracts entered into by government must be respected, especially where they have been validated by institutions and judicial processes,” the group said.

It urged the media to uphold professional standards of verification and called on relevant authorities to ensure transparency by making all facts available to the public.

The association maintained that if any wrongdoing is established, legal mechanisms exist for accountability, but cautioned against allowing political narratives to override facts.

“This matter must be resolved on the basis of law, facts, and verifiable records, not speculation or political bias,” the statement added.

HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, justice, and institutional integrity, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on respect for due process.