President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sunday morning in a much anticipated televised speech mainly bragged about the achievements of his administration, conceding nothing to the youths, who had been protesting against hunger and demanding an end to bad governance in Nigeria.
It was a dizzying show of aloofness by the president, who many had expected to announce measures to meet some of the demands of the protesters, which include among others cutting the number of his ministers, which is currently 48, reducing the cost of governance, reversing the removal of petrol subsidy, sacking the NNPCL managing director and releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Despite failing to meet any of their demands, the president urge the youths to end the protests.
He said, “Fellow Nigerians, I have heard you loud and clear.
“I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states,” he added.
Tinubu urged the protesters to suspend the nationwide rallies and embrace dialogue.
But the president vowed, even threatened, “In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.”
cpcnews.org 