President Tinubu has come under fire over the #EndBadGovernance Protests speech.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Nigerians have expressed their disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday morning broadcast, criticising it for failing to address the demands that led to three consecutive days of protests.
This Nigeria news platform understands that President Tinubu, who labelled the #EndBadGovernance protest as violent, called on protesters to suspend their demonstrations and engage in dialogue with him. However, he did not address any of the 10 demands made by the people.
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Arise TV Anchor, Rufai Oseni also called on President Tinubu to grant an hour-long interview.
‘’President Tinubu should stop giving us speeches we want an hour long interview now”
Speaking with newsmen, a student of Lagos State University remarked that Tinubu “said nothing new but instead spoke for the sake of speaking”.
“I was expecting actionable insights to address the demands of the protesters, which should have been the purpose of the address, but he missed that part,” said the student.
A Lagos resident who asked to be simply identified as Lola said Tinubu’s speech resembled more of a campaign than a response to the people’s demands, focusing on figures rather than substantive issues.
“Rather than addressing the protest demands, he did not do that. What happened to police causing violence and tear-gassing peaceful protesters? What happened to police harassing journalists?” asked Damilola.
Responding to Tinubu’s speech on X (formerly Twitter), @Homiebishop said, “I speak for all Nigerians when I say Tinubu, you are the worst president ever in Nigeria. You couldn’t even talk about the hunger crisis in the country.”
@TaoFeek182, another commenter, assured the president that despite his plea for the protest to end, people would hit the streets in protest for his failure to address what he described as the “real issues”.
“Big Daddy, things are extremely difficult right now for the majority. You didn’t address the real issues in your speech, sir, and I can assure you to expect more Nigerians to hit the streets as the ongoing protest continues,” he tweeted.
“Not addressing the hunger issue is torture; please reconsider your action about fuel subsidies and open borders for importations.”
@Igbalaghemmanue, responding to Tinubu’s X post, said that all Tinubu raised in his address would not bring any immediate change.
“Can’t you see people are not able to feed again? Must we be weeping out of hunger before you listen to our cry? Why are your cabinet members not telling you the truth, Mr. President? Listen to the protest yourself,” he tweeted.
@Nwafresh, an X user commenting on Tinubu’s X post, said, “Nigerians came out to protest, and nothing was said on the reversal of subsidy nor the hunger. With all due respect, sir, you just wasted your time by saying nothing, and we’ll hit the streets come Monday.”
In his speech, Tinubu assured that his administration would not “stand by idly and allow a few with a political agenda to tear the country apart.”
“I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction. As President of this country, I must ensure public order,” he said.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1 across the country, are expected to continue until August 10.