PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has come under criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for not speaking to Nigerians even as the nationwide protests enter day three.
The party on Saturday, August 3, 2024, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja requested the president to immediately inform Nigerians of the measures being taken to lower the price of petroleum products.
It also demanded that the president take action to stop the Naira’s decline and guarantee the prompt delivery of food in order to revitalise the economy, create jobs, and bring stability to the political system.
Part of the statement, obtained by The ICIR reads:”Our party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation.
“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding for good governance, protection, security and welfare, which are the primary purpose of government.
“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilised by the APC unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.”
While urging the president to break his silence, address the nation and comfort the populace on the matters that are on their minds, especially the drop in the cost of food and fuel, the PDP added that the price of fuel should not sell for more than N200 per liter in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.
This, the party insists, can be achieved through the clever, open, and creative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage, and refining capacity.
The ICIR reports that the #EndBadGovernance protest began on Thursday August 1 2024 and would last until Saturday August 10 2024, according to the organisers.
Hundreds of placard carrying youths from across Nigeria took to the streets to express their anger against hunger and corruption.
Since the protest began, the pesident has yet to address citizens on the issue.
Meanwhile, the PDP is asking the security services to maintain a high standard of professionalism in their role of providing security and protection to the populace, while calling for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain dishonest security personnel.
The ICIR reports on the first two days of the protest, peaceful protesters were fired with teargas causing injuries to some of them.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or [email protected]