•Ogebe questions Tinubu’s absence from UN General Assembly, describes it as failure to fulfil international obligations
US-based Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate, Emmanuel Ogebe, has argued that Nigerians are worse off economically and politically than they were at independence in 1960, while raising concerns over infrastructure contracts reportedly involving business interests associated with Gilbert Chagoury.
Ogebe made the remarks during an interview on Inside Sources, where he assessed Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, government spending and the country’s diplomatic representation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), reports News Express.
He questioned the benefits of independence to ordinary Nigerians, citing persistent economic hardship, insecurity, inadequate public services and what he described as inequalities in the country’s political arrangements.
“I can’t see how the independence has benefited Nigerians seriously,” he said.
Ogebe also defended the decision not to hold a traditional independence parade, arguing that the country had little to celebrate while citizens continued to struggle with economic and social challenges.
Ogebe questions political inclusion, national development
The lawyer raised concerns about what he described as the marginalisation of northern Christians, questioning whether Nigeria’s political arrangements adequately reflect the country’s religious and regional diversity.
He contrasted the political structure at independence, when a southern Christian occupied the presidency while a northern Muslim served as prime minister, with the current political dispensation.
Ogebe argued that religious considerations should not take precedence over competence, accountability and the delivery of public services.
“The Muslim-Muslim ticket has ended up hurting them more, which should tell us as a nation that religion should not be the sole determining factor, but competency and deliverables for the citizens,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as competing perceptions of development, arguing that political leaders should be assessed by their contributions to infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic opportunities rather than religious projects alone.
Ogebe further questioned the relationship between some religious leaders and political authorities, arguing that religious figures should hold governments accountable rather than become aligned with those in power.
He also raised concerns about payments to religious figures, including Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, in connection with what he described as the promotion of Muslim domination.
Questions Tinubu’s economic reforms, $33bn contracts
Commenting on President Tinubu’s Independence Day address, in which the President reportedly compared Nigeria’s economic challenges to cancer requiring difficult corrective measures, Ogebe questioned whether the government was exercising sufficient restraint in its spending while Nigerians endured the consequences of economic reforms.
Although he said he personally felt safer visiting Nigeria under the Tinubu administration than during the previous government of former President Muhammadu Buhari, he argued that some government decisions were inconsistent with the sacrifices citizens had been asked to make.
“You remove subsidy. All right, you deregulated the naira. But some of the actions you take are inconsistent with the pains and sacrifices Nigerians are making,” he said.
Ogebe questioned the purchase of a presidential aircraft, the reported cancellation of a debt owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and the scale of infrastructure projects involving business interests associated with Gilbert Chagoury.
During the interview, he raised figures running into tens of billions of dollars for proposed road and port projects, with the headline allegation centring on contracts reportedly valued at about $33 billion.
He argued that such commitments could impose substantial financial obligations on Nigeria over several years, potentially affecting future administrations and generations.
However, the programme’s anchor cautioned against treating all the amounts discussed as money already spent, noting that some projects and commitments remained at the planning, agreement or financing stages.
Ogebe maintained that even where funds had not been fully disbursed, sovereign-backed borrowing and contractual obligations could have long-term implications for public finances.
He argued that the government should prioritise electricity, security and healthcare in allocating national resources.
“If Mr President had spent $25 billion on electricity, and I know that I will have 24 hours of electricity, I don’t care if he gives it to Seyi Tinubu,” he said.
His argument was that public spending should be judged primarily by the tangible benefits it delivers to citizens.
Says Tinubu’s absence from UNGA reflects diplomatic failure
Ogebe also criticised President Tinubu’s absence from the high-level sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, noting that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had represented Nigeria at the gathering for three consecutive years.
He argued that presidential attendance provides opportunities for direct engagement with world leaders and allows a country’s leader to advance national interests through high-level diplomatic meetings.
According to him, the Vice-President’s representation does not necessarily carry the same diplomatic weight as the presence of the President, particularly during negotiations and engagements involving other heads of state and government.
Ogebe described Tinubu’s repeated absence as a failure to take full advantage of an important international platform.
He also questioned whether Nigeria was adequately using international engagements to strengthen its diplomatic influence and advance its economic and political interests.
Recalls imprisonment, raises concerns over healthcare
Reflecting on Nigeria’s healthcare system, Ogebe recounted his experience of imprisonment and torture at the Presidential Villa approximately 30 years ago.
He said he was taken to the Aso Clinic for treatment after losing consciousness during the incident.
Ogebe expressed concern over subsequent reports of shortages of basic medicines at the facility, contrasting the situation with what he described as conditions during the era of former military ruler General Sani Abacha.
He also questioned why prominent Nigerian leaders had continued to seek medical treatment abroad, arguing that the situation highlighted the need for greater investment in domestic healthcare infrastructure.
The lawyer maintained that public resources should be directed towards essential services that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Pays tribute to Reverend William Okoye
Towards the end of the interview, Ogebe paid tribute to Reverend Dr William Okoye, a former chaplain of the Presidential Villa under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, who recently died.
He described the late cleric as a patriotic Nigerian who contributed to the country’s social and political life.
Expressing his hopes for Nigeria’s future, Ogebe said: “I wish that the Nigeria that a lot of us struggle for, that we would see that in our lifetime.”
The programme’s anchor also praised Okoye’s character and patriotism, joining Ogebe in expressing condolences over his death.
