In the wake of President Bola Tinubu's recent address concerning the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, stakeholders and opposition figures have voiced strong criticisms, labeling the speech as "empty" and "lacking credibility."
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent political figure, was particularly vocal, stating that Tinubu's address failed to provide substantive solutions to the economic hardships plaguing Nigerians.
He remarked, “I don't think he has addressed the issues raised by the protesters. President Tinubu ought to have responded to each and every demand that is already made in the fliers.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) echoed similar sentiments, describing the speech as "diversionary" and accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of insensitivity towards the suffering of Nigerians.
The PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the speech for not presenting any concrete measures to alleviate the economic distress.
He stated, “Mr. President’s speech failed to respond to the demand by the citizens for immediate measures to reduce the price of petroleum products, halt the fall of the Naira and urgently intervene in the provision of food items to starving Nigerians.”
As the protests continue to gain momentum, with thousands of Nigerians taking to the streets under the banner of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, the organizers have called for sustained demonstrations.
The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, are set to last for ten days, highlighting issues such as poor governance, corruption, and the soaring cost of living. In Lagos, hundreds of demonstrators marched through residential areas, raising placards and chanting slogans to draw more participants.
Experts and civil society leaders have emphasized the need for the government to engage with protesters constructively.
Femi Falana, a notable human rights lawyer, urged government officials to start engaging with protesters rather than mobilizing youths to disrupt rallies. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the protests and providing actionable solutions to the grievances raised by the citizens.
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