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Activist and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stated that the country may continue to rely on foreign loans to sustain its budget if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to stop the theft of crude oil in the Niger Delta.

Adeyanju, who made the warning at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, called on the Tinubu government to take a decisive stand against the widespread theft of crude oil, stressing that journalists like Fisayo Soyombo must be protected from exposing corruption to the without fear of corruption. intimidation.

He alleged that the ongoing investigation into Soyombo’s arrest and detention was hampered by the interference of security forces, further complicating efforts to address the issue.

Adeyanju criticized the lack of action against senior military officers despite numerous complaints about their involvement in oil theft.

He warned that unless these activities are curtailed, Nigeria will continue to face serious economic challenges and rely on foreign borrowing to maintain its budget.

He stated: “We have been saying for years that such thefts are not possible without the cooperation of state actors. Recently, Tompolo himself stated that the Navy is complicit and that our country and economy are struggling.

“It is critical that President Tinubu’s government is committed to the fight against crude oil theft, and journalists like Soyombo must be protected to expose corruption without intimidation.

“We filed a petition against oil theft months ago, but nothing has been done. Complaints have been filed against key officials of the Nigerian Navy, but no action has been taken to address corruption and collusion within the Navy.

“If we prevent crude oil theft, we won’t have to borrow from countries like China or institutions like the IMF.”

The rights lawyer also condemned the arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and activist, who was abducted by Nigerian police in Lagos.

Adeyanju expressed disappointment over the use of police force to intimidate a fellow lawyer, especially considering Dele Farotimi’s prominence in the legal profession.

He condemned the police for acting as an instrument of political power, citing recent cases of alleged defamation, including the lengthy detention of musician Speed ​​Darlington.

Adeyanju decried the continued use of colonial-era defamation laws, which he said should have been abolished.

“I know Nigeria can be a country of impunity, but even in light of that, we must give a human face to these activities,” he added.