The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the recent approval of a N170 billion loan request by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
HURIWA expressed concerns over the swift passage of the loan request through the state House of Assembly, which it deemed a violation of citizens’ rights to transparent governance and fiscal responsibility.
The loan request includes a N100 billion bank guarantee, N10 billion in term loans, N10 billion in overdraft facilities, and N50 billion in credit facilities. HURIWA emphasized the need for transparency and proper scrutiny of these substantial figures and questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the decision.
HURIWA called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Enugu State residents, and opposition political leaders to unite and establish a coalition dedicated to ensuring the proper utilization of this significant sum.
**Save Enugu Group Responds to Criticism**
In response to the criticism of the loan request in Enugu State, the Save Enugu Group (SEG) has countered the Labour Party (LP) and HURIWA’s concerns. SEG defended the loan by stating that there is nothing wrong with loans as long as they are not for consumption.
The group criticized the LP’s claim that the loan was tailored towards self-enrichment and personal greed, asserting that the purpose of the loan should be evaluated based on its intended use. SEG also described HURIWA’s concerns as an attention-seeking tactic, emphasizing the need for transparency and proper utilization of the funds.
