The Centre for Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has highlighted the severe socioeconomic challenges facing Nigeria, attributing them to the 1999 constitution imposed during military rule. The organization has called on President Bola Tinubu to convene a sovereign national conference, attended by elected representatives, to address the country’s future.
Debo Adeshina, CDHR’s president, emphasized during a press briefing on Thursday in Ikeja that the 2014 national conference did not adequately represent Nigerians’ interests, as many participants were handpicked by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. Adeshina warned that ignoring calls for a new national conference could undermine the government’s credibility.
He stressed, “A sovereign national conference is now unavoidable. Elected representatives of Nigerians must gather to discuss the country’s future.” Adeshina also urged President Tinubu to take immediate action against the soaring cost of living by subsidizing essential goods like food and petrol to curb inflation.
He expressed concern over the exorbitant prices of staple foods such as garri, millet, yam, akpu, palm oil, vegetable oil, beef, rice, and beans, which have severely impacted households nationwide. Adeshina lamented that these price hikes have eroded citizens’ purchasing power, exacerbating poverty and contributing to a harsh living environment.
Regarding President Tinubu’s tenure, Adeshina remarked that many activists were disappointed with his performance, noting, “We expected President Tinubu, given his background and promises, to alleviate the people’s plight. However, there has been little positive impact.” He urged the president to engage more professionals outside his cabinet to improve policy effectiveness.
Adeshina also criticized the deteriorating state of roads across Nigeria, particularly in Ogun State, labeling them as death traps that hinder agricultural activities and the movement of essential goods. He called on state governors to prioritize road repairs to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and facilitate economic activities.
In summary, CDHR’s call for a sovereign national conference, coupled with urgent measures to tackle inflation and improve infrastructure, underscores their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
