Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent nationwide broadcast, stating that a reversal of fuel prices would have effectively ended the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
Despite commending the president for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, the group emphasized the need for immediate action to meet the protesters’ demands.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization acknowledged that the economic policies outlined by President Tinubu were promising and could potentially mitigate long-term economic hardships.
However, the Igbo group expressed deep concern over the ongoing hunger protests and the heightened tension across the country.
“The anticipation of the resumption of protests from August 5th to 10th, 2024, is a cause for worry, as the protesters are demanding immediate action from the government,” the statement read.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech had the potential to sway the protesters off the streets if there had been a pronouncement of the reversal of fuel prices or any of the demands put forward by the organizers of the protests.”
Isiguzoro noted that while the economic policies were commendable, the immediate challenge lies in addressing the protesters’ demands to prevent further chaos.
He also warned of local sponsors and international conspirators who might exploit the situation to escalate violence, particularly in the North, Southwest, and Niger Delta regions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to address the demands of the protesters through other means and prevent the situation from escalating,” Isiguzoro stated.
“While the implementation of the economic policies may take time, immediate action is needed to quell the protests and prevent any further destabilization of the country.”
The statement urged President Tinubu to make a pronouncement through his media aides to address the protesters’ demands.
“A reversal of fuel prices or any other gesture of goodwill towards the protesters could go a long way in restoring peace and stability in the country.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on President Tinubu to demonstrate his leadership by addressing the concerns of the people promptly.
“It is not too late to act and prevent any further escalation of the protests. We urge him to take swift and decisive action to save our democracy and give the government the opportunity to implement the promising economic policies outlined in his speech.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Ohanaeze asserted that Tinubu is not an enemy of the Igbo people.
The group, in a statement, released by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, attributed the Southeast’s abstention from the nationwide hunger protests to this belief.
Ohanaeze highlighted that the decision to boycott the protests should encourage President Tinubu to heed the pleas of leaders and citizens for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“We, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wish to express our profound gratitude to all Igbos at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests,” Isiguzoro stated.
He praised the Southeast for its unity and resilience against external pressures and manipulations aimed at exploiting the Igbo for political gain.
Isiguzoro emphasised that the Southeast’s compliance with the protest boycott directive signifies a renewed sense of unity and determination among Ndigbo to end systematic manipulation and exploitation by unpatriotic elements and privileged elites.
“This marks a new chapter in Igbo perseverance, nerve, and resolve to assert our rights and protect our interests,” he added.
The statement also highlighted the transformation of the Federal Expressway in the region as a clear demonstration of commitment to development and progress.
Ohanaeze called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and the creation of an additional state for the Southeast to address longstanding marginalisation and neglect.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has now realized that the Southeast and Ndigbo are not his enemies, and we urge him to reciprocate this gesture by releasing Nnamdi Kanu and initiating more viable projects for the Southeast,” Isiguzoro stated.
He reaffirmed the Southeast’s openness to dialogue and cooperation with the federal government for the nation’s overall development and prosperity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged all Igbos to remain steadfast and resolute against any pressures or attempts to undermine their unity and progress.
“Let us continue to stand together in solidarity and work towards a brighter future for our people and our nation,” the statement concluded.
