Protesters angry over Tinubu’s address, return to the streets

Protesters angry over Tinubu’s address, return to the streets

 

Some Nigerians have expressed disappointment about the national broadcast made Sunday morning by President Bola Tinubu.

They noted that the address contained no immediate presidential action or directive on the demands of #EndBadGovernance protesters to ease the hardship in the country.

In reaction to the President’s broadcast meant to douse tension and placate aggrieved people, a group of protesters returned to the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota, Lagos, on Sunday morning, chanting solidarity songs, shortly after the address to the nation.

The protesters said the President had not addressed core issues raised by them despite touching on efforts by his administration.

One of the protesters said, “First, let me appreciate the President for his courage to address the nation this morning after we started the protest for about four days now.

“He spoke on the violence and loss of lives in some areas and appealed to protesters. But here in Lagos, we’ve been peaceful in our protests.

“But the President failed to address most of the issues presented before him – high cost of fuel, high cost of clearing goods at the port, electricity tariff and other things.

“As long as those demands are not addressed, we’ll remain on the street protesting.”

Policemen and other security agencies were still on the ground at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, according to a Channels TV report.

The police had prevented the protesters from holding a procession beyond the designated ground at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.

Tinubu had urged the youths to suspend the #EndBadGovernance protests and embrace dialogue, while delivering his address.

He administration, he said , was focused on good governance despite several challenges confronting the country.

He said the removal of subsidy on petrol was a painful but necessary decision taken for economic reforms.

The reversal of the petrol subsidy removal is one of the demands of the youths protesting since Thursday August 1.

Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inaugural speech as President on May 29, 2023. The price per litre of the product jumped from around N184 to N568/ N700, depending on where it is sold in the country.

The administration also unified forex windows, with the value of the naira falling from $1/N700 to over $1/1,600 at the parallel market.

Prices of food and other essential items have similarly climbed through the roof with attendant high cost of living.