President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation tomorrow at 7:00 a.m.
A statement issued by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga disclosed this on Saturday.
The broadcast will be available on television, radio, and other electronic media through the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). It will be repeated at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the same day.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, have been driven by widespread discontent over economic hardship and government policies.
The demonstrations have seen thousands take to the streets, demanding government action to address the high cost of living and other socio-economic issues.
Several incidents of violence, including deaths and looting, have marred the protests, exacerbating the already tense situation and leading to calls for the protests to end.
In Borno State, four persons were killed and curfews were declared in some states in the North.
The South East and South West have largely witnessed peaceful rallies.
While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised some of Tinubu’s policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange rate, these measures have yet to yield positive results for the majority of the population.
The announcement came shortly after one of the protest leaders, Omoyele Sowore called for massive protests to take place on Monday, August 5th, 2024.
Sowore tweeted, “We’ve been informed of a plan by @officialABAT to address the nation tomorrow (Sunday); the ‘address’ is designed to undermine what is expected to be a massive turnout for #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria on Monday.
“Don’t be deceived. Continue mobilizing for EAGLE SQUARE Abuja at 7 a.m. on Monday.
“People should start arriving in Abuja tomorrow in case they decide to block roads leading into the city. Satellite towns around Abuja are also being mobilized for ACTION. #NoGoingBack #EndBadGovernance #RevolutionNow.”
The timing of the President’s address and Sowore’s comments sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Ọmọ́túndé@Funkemyfun urged for peace, stating, “Why is it difficult to give peace a chance? Are you comfortable with the death toll and vandalism everywhere? There’s always a time to retreat and reassess. It’s time to do that.”
However, not everyone agrees with Sowore’s call for action. FS Gagarawa@Farouq__SG criticized the activist, saying, “Sowore, what you’re doing is harmful. You’re not seeking dialogue, just inciting unrest. People should not listen to you.” Similarly, Bammy Tim (@tanimolaolawal1) accused Sowore of hypocrisy, “While you enjoy life with your family in the USA, you’re inciting people to revolt against their government. You are evil.”
Others expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the President’s address. PACE Esq.@OHPRIVO remarked, “Anyone calling for the president to address the nation is missing the point. An address won’t fix his ineptitude, lack of leadership, or the myriad of issues facing the country. What’s needed is action, not empty speeches. As for @YeleSowore, your anarchistic tendencies have never solved any real problems in Nigeria. Will you ever outgrow the youthful delinquent of your past?”
The discourse online also highlighted frustrations with the current administration’s handling of national issues. Magalhães@damini_izy pointed out economic grievances, “How much did they pay your father? Or are you just being deliberately blind? If he reduced fuel prices to 200 naira, everyone would be suddenly peaceful. But no, he’ll use bigotry and corruption to influence people like you.”
Osaro(@OfficiaEdoOsasB) dismissed the significance of the upcoming address, “We don’t want to hear a recorded speech after sending police to quell peaceful protesters.”
Amidst the polarized opinions, some individuals voiced their determination for change. Queen Bee@RealQueenBee__ declared, “The Nigerian people are more determined than ever to end bad governance in their country.”
