Buhari’s speech, depressing, failed empathy test – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed disappointment with President Muhammadu Buhari’s address to the nation on Thursday evening, saying it was completely disconnected from the realities of the tragic events in the country in the last two weeks.

This reaction is contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

The PDP, however, appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and allow a return to normal life.

“Our party and, indeed, all lovers of peace in our country, were shocked that Mr. President glossed over the immediate trigger of violent protests – the widely condemned killing at the Lekki Toll Gate by security operatives. A situation which created a global concern and drew the attention of the world to the abuse of human rights going on in our country under his watch,” it read in part.

The opposition party also criticized Buhari for his silence on the demand for investigation into the military’s involvement in the shootings.

It added, “Nigerians had expected that Mr. President would provide the lead for the much-needed overhauling of our security architecture to meet the demands of professionalism and respect for rules of engagement.”