HURIWA demands probe of Prince Harry, Meghan’s “expensive” trip to Nigeria

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), on Tuesday, called for a comprehensive investigation into the recent visit of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to Nigeria.

According to the association, the visit was ill-conceived, unnecessary and wasteful to Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said its call was precipitated by the need for transparency.

“The association expressed concerns regarding the funding of the visit, questioning whether it was accounted for in any existing budget allocation and demanded transparency concerning who financed the trip,” the statements read.

The statement reads further:

“These frivolous expenditures of scarce public funds are despicable and condemnable.

“HURIWA conveyed bewilderment over the official protocols extended to the royal couple during their visit, especially in light of the British government’s explicit disassociation from the trip.

“The visit purportedly initiated at the invitation of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa has raised questions about its funding source and official endorsement, particularly as it was clarified by British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomerry that the visit was of a private nature and not affiliated with the British government.

“Despite this clarification, Prince Harry and Meghan were accorded significant diplomatic courtesies, raising questions about the involvement of Nigerian government departments and the expenditure of public funds for a private engagement.

“Why would the Defence Headquarters allocate funds for a private visit, if as host it is confirmed that the Defence Headquarters financed the elaborately expensive trip while detained soldiers protest against inadequate feeding conditions and detention facility standards?

“What efforts has the Nigerian Defence Headquarters made to support the hundreds of soldiers wounded and incapacitated by terrorists while defending our nation? This underscores the significance of initiatives like the Invictus Games, championed by Prince Harry and Meghan, which highlights the importance of rehabilitation for wounded war veterans.

“HURIWA is demanding full disclosures on the part of key government officials including the Chief of Defence Staff regarding the status of the financing of the private visit.”

HURIWA also condemned the “extravagant hosting of wives of African presidents in Abuja, Nigeria at a time millions of Nigerians are confronting the costs of living crisis and adverse economic crunch with over 133 million Nigerian households in multidimensional poverty and over 18 million Nigerian children who are out-of-school.”

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