Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation on Sunday amid the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. The announcement came from presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, who urged television, radio, and other electronic media outlets to connect to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on Thursday, are a 10-day demonstration against economic hardship in the country. Protesters are voicing their frustration over rising living costs, unemployment, and inadequate government services. The protests have gained momentum across Nigeria, with significant activity reported in both the northern and southern regions.
In the northern part of Nigeria, the protests have been disrupted by violence, looting, and the destruction of public and private property. Reports indicate that clashes between protesters and security forces have led to several injuries and arrests. The unrest has prompted concerns about the safety of residents and the stability of local communities.
Conversely, the southern regions have seen largely peaceful protests. Demonstrators have organized marches, sit-ins, and rallies to express their dissatisfaction with the government. They are calling for increased transparency, accountability, and better governance. The peaceful nature of the southern protests has been praised by local leaders and civil society organizations, who emphasize the importance of non-violent demonstrations.
On Saturday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on President Tinubu to address the nation immediately. The party stated that the president’s silence has only worsened the agitation among the populace. “It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security, and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government,” the PDP said.
The PDP’s call for the president to speak comes as tensions continue to rise. The party stressed that a presidential address could help calm the situation and provide much-needed reassurance to the public. They believe that the president needs to show leadership during this critical time and address the concerns of the citizens.
In response to the growing unrest, various political and social groups have also urged the government to take immediate action. They have called for policy changes that would address the root causes of the economic hardship. These groups argue that without significant reforms, the protests are likely to continue, leading to further instability.
The #EndBadGovernance movement has garnered significant support on social media, where hashtags and online campaigns have amplified the voices of protesters. Social media platforms have become a vital tool for organizing protests, sharing information, and mobilizing supporters. The online activism has helped sustain the momentum of the protests and bring international attention to the issues facing Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s upcoming address is highly anticipated, with many hoping that he will offer concrete solutions to the problems raised by the protesters.
