Ohanaeze Criticizes Tinubu’s Speech, Suggests Fuel Subsidy Reversal to End Protests

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast, suggesting that reversing the fuel subsidy could have ended the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze commended Tinubu for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges but expressed concerns over the immediate response to protesters’ demands.

The group acknowledged that the economic policies outlined in Tinubu’s speech were promising and could potentially address long-term economic hardship. However, they emphasized the need for immediate action to address the protesters’ demands and prevent further chaos.

The statement reads, “The anticipation of the resumption of protests from August 5th to 10th, 2024, is a cause for worry, as the protesters are demanding immediate action from the government.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech had the potential to sway the protesters off the streets if there had been a pronouncement of the reversal of fuel prices or any of the demands put forward by the organizers of the protests.

“The economic policies outlined are commendable, but the immediate challenge is how to address the protesters’ demands and prevent further chaos.

“We are aware that there are local sponsors, in conjunction with international conspirators, who may be waiting for an opportunity to escalate the protests into violence.

“The Southeast region is not a target for protests, but the North, Southwest, and Niger Delta regions are vulnerable to further unrest.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to address the demands of the protesters through other means and prevent the situation from escalating.

“While the implementation of the economic policies may take time, immediate action is needed to quell the protests and prevent any further destabilization of the country.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider making a pronouncement, through his media aides, to address the demands of the protesters.

“A reversal of fuel prices or any other gesture of goodwill towards the protesters could go a long way in restoring peace and stability in the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the chance to demonstrate his leadership and resolve in addressing the concerns of the people.

“It is not too late to act and prevent any further escalation of the protests. We urge him to take swift and decisive action to save our democracy and give the government the opportunity to implement the promising economic policies outlined in his speech.”