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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned as unconstitutional and unjust the arrests of philanthropists and organisers of charitable events following tragic stampedes across the country.
HURIWA expressed dismay at the arrest of Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, and seven others in connection with a stampede at Islamic High School, Ibadan, which reportedly claimed 35 lives and left six others critically injured.
The association also criticised attempts to blame organisers of food distribution events such as the one at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, which resulted in 10 fatalities.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA highlighted the stampede in Okija, Anambra State, during a long-standing charitable initiative by Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obi Jackson). It noted that Obi Jackson’s annual philanthropic activities, running for over 15 years, have provided essential supplies to thousands, and the tragic incident was an anomaly not reflective of his careful planning and goodwill.
HURIWA emphasised that philanthropists and charitable organisations are vital in a country where over 133 million people live in multi-dimensional poverty. It argued that individuals like Obi Jackson, Naomi Silekunola, and organisations such as St Vincent de Paul should be celebrated for their efforts rather than criminalised.
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The association criticised the arrests, describing them as irrational and misplaced. It stressed that these actions distract from the systemic failures and government policies that have weaponised poverty and worsened economic conditions.
HURIWA attributed the desperation seen at public events to rising inflation, poor governance, and policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies without adequate cushioning measures. It noted that staples like rice and garri have become luxuries for many Nigerians, pushing millions into extreme poverty and creating chaos at charitable gatherings.
The association urged federal and state governments to address the root causes of poverty and desperation rather than penalise those providing relief. It called for better planning of charitable events to ensure safety and encouraged public education on orderly behaviour at such gatherings.
HURIWA demanded the immediate release of Naomi Silekunola and others detained, describing their arrests as unjustified. It also called on the government to honour individuals like Obi Jackson for their humanitarian contributions and create mechanisms to encourage more Nigerians to engage in charity.
The association stressed the need for robust social safety nets to reduce dependency on charity and ensure access to basic necessities. It urged prioritisation of job creation, affordable healthcare, and food security to mitigate the desperation at public events.
HURIWA concluded by reiterating its condemnation of the arrests and warning that criminalising philanthropists could discourage others from providing critical support to vulnerable Nigerians. It pledged to continue advocating for justice, fairness, and better support for both vulnerable citizens and those dedicating their lives to helping them.
