The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has described the seizure of presidential assets by a Chinese firm as a “monumental disgrace” and “show of shame” by the Federal Government.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, attributed the development to negligence on the part of the government, stating that attempts to shift blame to predecessors would not be justified, according to Daily Post.
Onwubiko criticized the government’s handling of the matter, calling for accountability and potential resignations or firings.
He warned that continued carelessness could lead to further loss of Nigerian assets.
Additionally, Onwubiko demanded an investigation into allegations of torture of Chinese company officials by Nigerian Police operatives, calling for the arrest and prosecution of the Commissioner of Police in charge of Ogun State command at the time of the incident.
He said, “Why would the Nigeria Police torture the Chinese workers as alleged by the firm? Something is actually wrong with our system.
“Nigeria does not take its international human rights obligations very seriously. The chapter four of the Nigerian constitution absolutely prohibits torture.
“No security agent has the right to inflict torture on anybody. So why did the Nigeria Police torture the Chinese officials?
“And who was the Commissioner of Police in that state at that time? The person should be arrested and prosecuted”.
In a related development, Kaduna-based Arewa Youths Consultative Forum has expressed concern that the seizure of Nigerian assets by a Chinese firm may deter foreign investment in the country.
AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima, described the situation as a “national embarrassment” that reflects poorly on Nigeria’s international standing and may undermine investor confidence, according to Daily Post.
Shettima attributed the dispute to a failure of governance and accountability, highlighting the need for Nigeria to strengthen its legal frameworks and institutions to effectively address international disputes.
He emphasized that the incident presents an opportunity for introspection and reform, urging the government to take proactive steps to enhance its capacity for international negotiations and protect national assets from foreign interventions.
He said that the seizure of the Nigerian assets “is an example of the complexities inherent in international business agreements and the repercussions that arise from disputes between governments and corporations.
“This situation, rooted in a long-standing dispute involving a 2007 contract between China’s Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment and Nigeria’s Ogun State for the development of a free-trade zone, encapsulates not only legal and economic considerations but also profound implications for national pride and international diplomacy.
“At the heart of the matter is the contract which aimed to transform a portion of Nigeria into an industrial hub, intending to attract significant foreign investment.
“However, the failure to fulfill obligations set forth in the agreement has resulted in a legal battle that now threatens Nigeria’s national assets.
“The seizure of the jets, therefore, is not merely an economic setback; it is emblematic of a broader crisis of governance and accountability faced by the Nigerian state.
“This incident raises critical questions about the efficacy of Nigeria’s legal institutions, its ability to negotiate and uphold international agreements, and its commitment to protecting national assets from the clutches of foreign interventions.
“I join those who see the seizure as a national embarrassment, reflecting poorly on Nigeria’s standing in the international arena.
“Such perceptions can undermine investor confidence and portray a narrative of instability and unpredictability within the Nigerian business environment.
“The optics of a foreign court intervening in Nigeria’s sovereign affairs not only prompts scrutiny from international observers but also fuels internal discontent, as citizens grapple with the implications of a government perceived to be ineffectively handling international partnerships.
“The implications of this dispute extend beyond national embarrassment; they also signal a potential shift in how nations approach foreign investment and international business collaborations.
“While the situation may evoke feelings of dismay, it also serves as an opportunity for introspection and reform within Nigeria.
“This incident underscores the importance of establishing robust legal frameworks and institutions capable of addressing disputes effectively and efficiently.
“By taking proactive steps to strengthen its legal infrastructure and enhance its capacity for international negotiations, Nigeria can mitigate the risks of such embarrassing occurrences in the future”.
