Human rights advocate Femi Falana has launched a blistering attack on the federal government’s recent decision to increase electricity tariffs, alleging that it stems from compliance with directives from international financial bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
During a fiery interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, Falana asserted that the government’s actions were merely following the mandates of these influential institutions, prioritizing their interests over the welfare of the Nigerian populace.
According to Falana, the Minister of Power is executing the agenda set forth by the IMF and the World Bank, which have consistently advocated for the removal of subsidies on essential services like fuel and electricity as a prerequisite for their support. He argued that such policies reflect neoliberal principles that prioritize profit over social welfare.
The human rights lawyer further argued that the government’s compliance with these neoliberal policies has led to the implementation of measures that are detrimental to the majority of Nigerians, exacerbating their already challenging economic circumstances.
Falana contended that by significantly increasing the cost of essential services like electricity, the government is effectively neglecting its duty to protect the interests of its citizens, particularly those who are already struggling financially.
Falana’s critique raises crucial questions about the extent to which the Federal Government is willing to compromise the well-being of its people in order to satisfy the demands of international financial institutions. As Nigeria grapples with the consequences of the electricity tariff hike, Falana’s accusations have reignited a contentious debate about the impact of neoliberal policies on inequality and social injustice in the country.
The discussion sparked by Falana’s remarks underscores the importance of holding leadership accountable and scrutinizing the implications of policies that may disproportionately affect vulnerable segments of society.
