LAGOS — Human rights activist and legal practitioner Inibehe Effiong has launched a stinging verbal assault on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the current government as a “carnival of thieves.”
In a series of pointed remarks that have stirred significant debate within Nigeria’s legal and political circles, Effiong alleged that the Tinubu presidency has reached an unprecedented level of patronage for individuals with questionable characters. He argued that the current political climate appears to shield those with pending criminal and corruption allegations, provided they maintain political loyalty.
“No regime has ever been this patronised by criminals,” Effiong asserted. “What we see unfolding under the Tinubu administration is a carnival of thieves, where the corridors of power have become a sanctuary for people who should be answering for their actions before our courts.”
The outspoken lawyer further criticized the government’s optics, suggesting that the administration’s “Renewed Hope” mantra is being contradicted by the heavy presence of figures currently under the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Effiong, this trend poses a direct threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial and democratic institutions.
Effiong’s comments follow growing public discourse regarding the appointment of several former governors and political stakeholders who are facing ongoing investigations or trials. He maintained that the administration’s tolerance for such figures undermines any genuine claim to a national anti-corruption drive.
While the Presidency has previously defended its appointments as being based on competence and constitutional merit, Effiong’s “carnival” label has quickly become a rallying point for critics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
Effiong, known for his frequent legal challenges against government overreach, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand a higher standard of accountability from the executive branch.
