Organizers of Nigeria’s nationwide protests, along with former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, have criticized President Bola Tinubu’s response to the protests. The demonstrations, now in their fourth day, continue as protestors claim Tinubu’s speech failed to address their 15-point demands.
President Tinubu’s address aimed to calm public unrest but has been widely regarded as inadequate. Key protest organizer Deji Adeyanju called the broadcast a “complete disaster,” emphasizing that none of the protesters’ demands were addressed, including issues surrounding fuel subsidies and electricity tariffs.
“Our expectations were high, but the president’s speech was disappointing. He failed to address any of our concerns,” Adeyanju said.
In Osun State, protest coordinator Ajala Adetunji stated that the protests would continue. “The president was not specific on solutions. His call for dialogue lacked clear indicators of action,” he said.
The situation in Kano remains tense, with hundreds of protesters taking to the streets. The state government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew by six hours, but demonstrators remain undeterred. They demand better governance and relief from the ongoing hardship.
In Katsina, protests have turned violent. Hoodlums hijacked demonstrations, attacking churches and looting properties. The Living Faith Church in Daura was severely damaged, with valuable items stolen. Pastor David Jato confirmed the attack, stating that the church’s security guard was overpowered by the mob.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed Tinubu’s speech as lacking in substance. “His address neglects the pressing economic hardships facing Nigerian families,” Atiku said. He criticized the president for not presenting meaningful reforms or addressing protesters’ demands.
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka also criticized the speech, highlighting the government’s failure to address police brutality against protesters. “The president’s address fell short. It didn’t address the state’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests,” Soyinka noted.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) echoed these sentiments. National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described the speech as insensitive. “The president failed to respond to the high cost of living and the volatility of the local currency,” he said.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, called on Tinubu to address the protesters’ demands. “The president must reverse the fuel subsidy policy and respond to the key demands of the youth,” Falana urged. He also condemned the repression of peaceful protesters and called for investigations into the killings.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also expressed disappointment. A spokesperson noted, “The president’s speech did not address the anger and frustration of the protesters.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) urged the government to address economic contradictions strangulating the private sector. NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde said, “The nation might face more business shutdowns if the current rate of losses continues.”
The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) criticized the president’s broadcast, questioning the competence of Tinubu’s team. NAMTOP President Yinka Aroyewun called for justice for protesters killed by security forces. “The president did not address the unprofessional conduct of security operatives during the protests,” Aroyewun said.
Despite President Tinubu’s plea for an end to the protests, public discontent remains high. The speech failed to provide concrete measures to alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. The ongoing protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s response to their demands.
Source: Vanguard
