Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s recent address to the nation, which came after significant public pressure.
Obi expressed gratitude for the President’s speech but criticized its timing and content, stating it lacked empathy and decisive action.
Obi admitted to delaying his response to align his understanding with public sentiment.
“I hesitated to respond immediately,” he said, “as I felt it could have been perceived as another attempt by Peter Obi to sway public opinion, especially since I was initially accused of sponsoring the protest.”
Beginning on August 1, the #EndBadGovernance protests emerged from widespread discontent over economic conditions and government policies.
With thousands taking to the streets, demonstrators are demanding urgent government intervention to address the soaring cost of living and other socio-economic issues.
Several violent incidents, including deaths and looting, have marred the protests, intensifying the tense situation and prompting calls for an end to the protests.
While the Northern parts of the country have been rocked by incidents of violence and arson, the South East and South West have largely experienced peaceful rallies.
While thanking President Tinubu for addressing the nation, Obi lamented the delay, suggesting it might have prevented unnecessary loss of life.
He emphasised the need for empathy towards those injured or detained due to the protests, criticizing the government’s failure to address these issues.
“It is the responsibility of the government to identify criminal elements attempting to disrupt the protest through looting and other unlawful behaviours and to protect those genuinely exercising their democratic rights,” Obi stated.
He also called for more decisive actions against those propagating ethnic bigotry.
Obi highlighted the disconnection between Tinubu’s speech and the harsh realities Nigerians face.
“The President’s address regrettably appeared disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people,” he said, urging Tinubu to focus on current issues rather than past events.
Obi advised the President to surround himself with advisors who present the truth about the nation’s conditions.
Obi outlined specific areas requiring urgent attention, including the high cost of governance, corruption, and living expenses.
He urged Tinubu to prioritize health, education, and poverty alleviation.
“Persistent issues of corruption and mismanagement of public funds must be addressed decisively,” Obi emphasized.
He said, “I respectfully reiterate that the President should declare a war on insecurity, the economy, poverty, unemployment, and the power sector.
“Persistent issues of corruption and mismanagement of public funds must be addressed decisively.
“I also humbly request that the President reduce the repetition of how dire the situation is; every Nigerian is already aware of the extent of the problems.
“Mr President, you and your team were elected not just to witness the protests but to alleviate the suffering of the people.”
Obi called for regular briefings from the President to communicate measures being taken to address the nation’s challenges.
“Regular briefings, whether quarterly or biannually, from the President, are essential to clearly communicate the visible and verifiable measures being taken to revive the nation,” he suggested.
Obi concluded by stressing the importance of reducing the high cost of governance, tackling insecurity, and boosting sectors like agriculture and productivity to restore hope and faith in Nigeria.
“Nigerians do not expect the President to solve the nation’s problems overnight, but we do expect a concerted effort,” he said. “A new Nigeria is possible.”
