Human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo has labeled President Bola Tinubu a hypocrite following his recent presidential media chat, where Tinubu urged Nigerians to manage their electricity bills by turning off their lights.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Omirhobo criticized Tinubu for failing to address the high cost of governance while advising citizens to make personal sacrifices. “It is hypocritical for Tinubu to advise Nigerians to learn to manage by controlling their electricity bills while he has refused to cut down the cost of governance,” Omirhobo wrote.
The criticism comes in the wake of policies introduced by Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and a significant hike in electricity tariffs. Since April 2024, electricity regulators raised tariffs for Band A customers from N66 per kilowatt-hour to N225 per kilowatt-hour, further burdening already strained households.
Tinubu’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians questioning the fairness of placing the responsibility of economic adjustment on citizens without corresponding efforts by the government to reduce public spending. The issue has reignited concerns over the rising cost of living, with critics urging the administration to prioritize structural reforms to ease economic hardship.
As public frustration grows, Omirhobo’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between governance policies and the realities faced by everyday Nigerians.