Prominent human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has remarked that President Bola Tinubu would be unable to address or alleviate Nigeria’s current economic hardships, even if given a full 300 years in office.
In his analysis, Adeyanju expressed doubt about the former Lagos State Governor's ability to resolve the country’s ongoing economic challenges, asserting that the nation under Tinubu’s administration has become increasingly difficult for the average citizen to thrive. He characterized Nigeria as a country unfriendly to the poor, especially under the current administration, where economic policies have reportedly deepened the struggles of low-income citizens.
According to reports from the Daily Post, Adeyanju voiced his frustrations with the current government during a recent interview. He discussed his concerns about Nigeria's socioeconomic direction, the arraignment of protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, and also the presidential aspirations of opposition figures, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
During the interview, when asked about his overall perception of the current situation in Nigeria, Adeyanju provided a candid response, stating: “This nation, as it currently stands, resembles something close to a concentration camp where citizens are compelled to stay without any choice. And if anyone doubts this, a simple social experiment could confirm it."
He elaborated: “Let’s say, hypothetically, that the United States were to make their country visa-free for Nigerians; let’s see just how many of us would choose to stay here. That, to me, best describes this country—a nation that makes life extraordinarily difficult for its poor citizens while allowing the rich to operate unchecked.”
Adeyanju continued by criticizing the disparity in treatment between wealthy and low-income citizens in Nigeria. He observed, “This is a country where the rich do not have to pay as much for their business operations, for purchasing private jets, and so on. But the poor are taxed at rates that are disproportionately high, with even basic necessities becoming exorbitantly priced.” He highlighted how the soaring costs of fuel, among other essentials, have made the country increasingly unfavorable for its poorer population. “Nigeria is essentially anti-poor,” Adeyanju concluded. “From both an economic and political standpoint, this nation does not serve the interests of the average Nigerian in any meaningful way.”
He went on to criticize the government’s approach to dissent, especially its handling of minors involved in peaceful protests. “We’ve reached a point where young people, even minors, are arraigned on terrorism charges simply for expressing that they’re hungry or pleading for better governance to improve security. This is the government’s response to their pleas—imprison them for 93 days without sustenance and file treasonable felony charges against them.”
He continued, “Meanwhile, this is the same nation where high-ranking police officials are seen taking photographs with bandits in Zamfara. They organize elaborate ceremonies to, as they say, ‘integrate’ former Boko Haram members back into society, while minors who merely voice out their concerns are treated as terrorists.”
Adeyanju concluded his remarks by calling the country’s current governance structure a tragic irony, citing how lenient actions toward former insurgents contrasted sharply with the harsh measures taken against peaceful protesters.