HURIWA Faults Tinubu’s Democracy Day Address, Rejects Terrorists’ Surrender Policy

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, saying it failed to provide clear responses to Nigeria’s worsening security and economic conditions.

In a statement signed on Friday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said the June 12 address appeared repetitive and disconnected from the daily struggles of Nigerians.

While acknowledging the President’s recognition of the heroes of the June 12 democratic struggle, HURIWA said the speech did not go far enough in addressing insecurity, unemployment, inflation and challenges in the education sector.

The organisation expressed particular concern over the government’s approach to terrorists who surrender, insisting that justice for victims should take priority over rehabilitation programmes.

It questioned the rationale behind reintegrating individuals accused of mass killings into society without what it described as adequate justice for affected communities.

“What exactly happens after terrorists surrender? Are Nigerians expected to continue witnessing a policy under which individuals responsible for mass killings are rehabilitated, reintegrated and returned to society while victims and their families continue to suffer without justice?” the group said.

HURIWA warned that continued emphasis on surrender deals could send the wrong signal to victims of violence and communities that have suffered repeated attacks and displacement.

The group urged the Federal Government to focus more on military operations and intelligence-led strategies aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the country.

It maintained that the core responsibility of government remains the protection of law-abiding citizens, not prolonged negotiation with armed groups.

“The primary responsibility of government is to protect law-abiding citizens, not to negotiate endlessly with those who have declared war against the Nigerian state,” the statement added.

HURIWA also faulted the President for what it described as silence on alleged sabotage within the security architecture.

It said repeated concerns about possible leaks of operational information to criminal groups had not been addressed, despite their impact on counter-insurgency operations.

According to the group, Nigerians expected clear measures to identify and punish those undermining national security efforts from within the system.

The association further raised concerns over the absence of a detailed plan to secure schools, especially in regions vulnerable to attacks by terrorists and kidnappers.

It noted that continued insecurity had forced many parents to withdraw their children from schools in several parts of the country.

“Education is a fundamental human right. Yet many parents across Northern Nigeria remain fearful of sending their children to school because of persistent threats from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers,” it said.

On the economy, HURIWA said the speech placed more emphasis on government achievements and national honours while paying insufficient attention to worsening hardship faced by citizens.

It cited rising food costs, transportation expenses, unemployment and declining purchasing power as pressing issues requiring urgent intervention.

The organisation also argued that several elements of the speech mirrored earlier presidential addresses, offering little in terms of new policy direction or innovative solutions.

While acknowledging the importance of recognising contributors to Nigeria’s democratic journey, HURIWA said citizens were more concerned about tangible improvements in security, jobs, education and living standards.

It called on the Federal Government to present a clear, results-driven strategy for tackling insecurity, improving economic conditions and strengthening democratic institutions.

HURIWA stressed that the legacy of June 12 could only be meaningfully honoured if democracy delivers safety, justice, prosperity and hope to Nigerians.

“The sacrifices of the heroes of June 12 can only be truly honoured when democracy delivers security, justice, prosperity and hope to ordinary Nigerians,” the group stated.