EndBadGovernance: Stakeholders Criticize Tinubu’s Speech

 

President Bola Tinubu has faced significant criticism from various stakeholders for his nationwide address on Sunday, which many feel failed to address the key demands of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. The nationwide protests, which began on August 1, are driven by widespread economic hardship, high living costs, and hunger.

Nationwide Protests Against Hardship

Nigerian youths, frustrated by the prevailing economic conditions, have taken to the streets in a bid to draw the government's attention to the severe hardships they face. The protests have turned violent in several states, including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, and Jigawa, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Amnesty International reported that 13 people were killed on the first day of protests, although other sources suggest the number could be as high as 19. Properties belonging to both the government and private individuals have been vandalized and looted.

Tinubu's Address and Government Measures

In an effort to quell the unrest, President Tinubu addressed the nation, expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and calling for the protests to be suspended in favor of dialogue. He outlined several government measures aimed at alleviating economic hardship, including:

• The release of N570 billion to states for livelihood support.
• Financial aid to 600,000 nano businesses, with plans to support an additional 400,000.
• The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to reduce transportation costs by 60%, with one million conversion kits to be distributed at little or no cost.

Despite these measures, Tinubu firmly rejected the reinstatement of fuel subsidies.

Key Demands Unaddressed

The organizers of the protests have made several specific demands, which they feel were not adequately addressed in Tinubu’s speech. These demands include:

1.   Dissolution of the Senate and making the House of Representatives a part-time legislature.

2.   Implementation of a minimum wage of N250,000 monthly.

3.   Unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demilitarization of the South East.

4.   Ending banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes, and reforming security agencies.

5.   Overhauling the judiciary to remove corrupt judges.

6.   Allowing diaspora voting.

7.   Investigating and recovering looted funds from past and present leaders to fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Stakeholder Reactions

Arewa Youths Consultative Forum

Yerima Shettima, President General of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, expressed disappointment that Tinubu did not address the security crisis in the North or the call to reduce the cost of governance. Shettima emphasized the need for a state of emergency on insecurity, particularly in states like Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, Borno, and Katsina.

Labour Party

Yunusa Tanko, spokesperson for Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, criticized Tinubu for failing to provide actionable solutions to the economic hardship. Tanko highlighted the need for measures to reduce the price of petroleum and enhance agricultural production.

Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, expressed shock at Tinubu’s speech, stating that it failed to address the protesters' demands. He pointed out the influence of Tinubu’s close advisers and the lack of concessions for the aggrieved Nigerians.

Continued Protests

Despite Tinubu’s appeal for dialogue, the organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protests have vowed to continue their demonstrations. Omoleye Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, stated that the protests would continue beyond the planned ten days if their demands were not met.

Military Intervention

In response to the escalating violence, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa announced that the military would intervene if necessary to control looting and violence. He urged Nigerians to remain united and refrain from destroying property.

For the latest updates on the #EndBadGovernance protests and other national news, stay tuned to Naija Newshawk.