Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi has launched a fresh criticism of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, condemning both the government’s taxation approach and its handling of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Farotimi’s latest remarks have sparked intense debate online after he reacted to President Tinubu’s reported comments that Nigerians cannot expect quality healthcare and efficient public services without paying sufficient taxes.
The President’s remarks immediately generated widespread reactions, with many citizens arguing that Nigerians are already under immense economic pressure due to rising inflation, insecurity and the increasing cost of living.
Responding to the controversy, Farotimi accused the government of demanding sacrifices from citizens without demonstrating transparency or delivering visible results. “Tax without accountability is ransom”, he declared.
The outspoken lawyer argued that taxation should be accompanied by measurable improvements in governance, infrastructure and public welfare rather than imposing additional burdens on citizens struggling with economic hardship.
His statement quickly gained traction online, resonating with many Nigerians who questioned why citizens should be expected to contribute more while basic amenities remain inadequate. Several citizens pointed to poor roads, underfunded healthcare facilities, unstable electricity supply and rising living costs as evidence of what they described as a disconnect between taxation and service delivery.
The debate also revived concerns about the state of public hospitals across the country, with critics highlighting the contradiction of citizens being asked to pay more taxes while many political officeholders continue to seek medical treatment abroad.
Farotimi also widened his criticism to Nigeria’s security challenges, blaming the administrations of former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu for what he described as the rise of violent armed groups.
He further argued that the level of impunity surrounding violent crimes had weakened the state’s ability to respond decisively to insecurity.
