By Adeola Badru

Umar Sani, former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo and a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed strong support for the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in backing the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s urgent call to action regarding Nigeria’s escalating economic crisis.

Sani, in a statement backing HURIWA, emphasised that Adesina’s analysis is both factual and urgently needed, stressing the importance of addressing the alarming statistics revealing that over 56% of Nigerians now live below the national poverty line, highlighting the need for decisive policy changes to combat rising inflation and poverty across the nation.

Adesina recently highlighted Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, pointing out that “over 56% of Nigerians, approximately 129 million, now live below the national poverty line,” a significant increase from 40.1% in 2018.

He noted that “real GDP per capita has fallen from $1,847 at independence to just $824 today,” attributing this decline to “decades of weak institutions and policy missteps.”

In response to Adesina’s comments, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency’s spokesperson, labeled his figures as “inaccurate” and “narrow,” citing outdated data to counter his analysis.

Sanni criticised this rebuttal: “This reflects a troubling trend in Nigerian public discourse where defensiveness overshadows factual engagement.”

HURIWA emphasised the importance of moral and intellectual authority in discussions about Nigeria’s future.

Sani asserted, “Adesina’s background and experience lend credibility to his insights. Silencing such voices reflects poorly on the government’s maturity and openness to critique.”

Furthermore, HURIWA underscored the necessity of freedom of expression in governance, stating, “Leaders should welcome scrutiny and public discourse.

As Nigeria grapples with high inflation rates exceeding 30% and a doubling of urban poverty, HURIWA called for a strategic policy shift to address these pressing issues.

Sani argued that “acknowledging the nation’s challenges is essential for fostering economic growth and stability.”

“Adesina’s remarks are not insults but reflections of painful truths that resonate with the experiences of many Nigerians.”

“HURIWA’s defense of Adesina highlighted a wider call for accountability in governance, urging public officials to engage thoughtfully with the realities faced by citizens.”

“It is time for our leaders to embrace truth as a foundation for recovery and progress,” Sani maintained.