Nigerians are voicing their concern over President Tinubu’s failure to address protesters’ demands, including economic relief and policy changes highlighted during ongoing protests.
One of the groups that have expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast is the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
The broadcast was made on Sunday, August 4.
The group says President Tinubu failed to address the demands of protesters across Nigeria.
Protests, which began on August 1, have resulted in violence in some states.
Protesters are calling for reductions in petrol pump prices, improvements in living standards.
Also, the expected he would be specific with cuts in governance costs, decreases in electricity tariffs, and solutions to escalating insecurity.
In a statement from the spokesman for the group, Ezonebi Oyakemeagba, the INC criticised the President’s address for not adequately responding to these issues.
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“The president’s speech did not address the demands of Nigerians as expressed through the protesters,” the statement said.
Oyakemeagba pointed out that while Tinubu highlighted some achievements, he neglected critical issues such as the cost of governance, corruption, petroleum subsidies, and electricity tariff increases.
“He didn’t address how these issues will be tackled or provide a timeframe for solutions,” Oyakemeagba added.
He emphasised that Nigerians were facing severe economic challenges.
“The larger population of Nigerians is facing extreme poverty and hunger due to poor policies.
“The clear message from the protesters is that hunger in the country results from bad policies. Reducing fuel prices could ease many challenges.
The INC also criticised the state governments’ distribution of food aid, saying: “Sharing rice and garri is something typically seen during wars or natural disasters”.
