Human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo has taken a strong stance against President Bola Tinubu, branding him a “hypocrite” following his recent presidential media chat.
Omirhobo expressed his disapproval of Tinubu’s advice to Nigerians on managing electricity bills, deeming it insincere.
The president had urged citizens to reduce their electricity expenses by adopting habits like turning off lights when not in use.
The activist lawyer, in a post on X, countered Tinubu’s remarks, challenging the president to first address the “cost of governance” before demanding sacrifices from ordinary Nigerians.
He wrote: “It is hypocritical for Tinubu to advise Nigerians to learn to manage by learning to control their electricity bill by switching off their light when he has refused to learn how to cut down the cost of governance.”
During the media chat, Tinubu reiterated the need for Nigerians to adopt prudent energy consumption habits.
However, his advice reignited frustrations stemming from policy decisions earlier in his administration.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has implemented measures that significantly impacted citizens’ finances, including the removal of fuel subsidies and an increase in electricity tariffs.
Notably, on the 3rd of April , 2024, the electricity regulator raised tariffs for customers under the Band A classification. These individuals now pay a steep N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from N66.
The contrast between Tinubu’s calls for austerity and the soaring costs of basic utilities has only added fuel to the growing debate about governance and accountability in Nigeria.