A key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chukwuemeka Eze, former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s recent broadcast addressing the ongoing nationwide protests.
Eze described the President’s address as superficial and disconnected from the genuine issues that have sparked the widespread demonstrations across Nigeria.
Eze expressed frustration over what he perceives as President Tinubu’s failure to adequately address the critical issues driving the nationwide protests.
He accused the President of neglecting key concerns such as the exorbitant costs of governance, rampant corruption, inefficiencies in the judiciary, and the negative impacts of fuel subsidy removal.
Eze argued that the President’s speech did not reflect a substantive engagement with the concerns raised by Nigerians, including high unemployment, pervasive hunger, and widespread insecurity.
“The President’s broadcast overlooked the real issues stunting the growth of our country,” Eze said.
“The high cost of governance, corruption, and other systemic problems were ignored. Instead, the broadcast seemed aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the protests, which is deeply disappointing.”
Eze’s critique extended to President Tinubu’s perceived deviation from the core principles of the APC.
He lamented that the current administration’s approach has strayed from the party’s original vision of fostering a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Eze emphasised that the current state of affairs—marked by severe economic hardship and insecurity—stands in stark contrast to the promises made during the party’s rise to power.
“We did not bring the APC to Nigeria to witness the level of hunger that has driven people to extreme measures,” Eze asserted.
“Nor did we envision a scenario where insecurity prevents farmers from working or where citizens are driven to despair. The ambition of President Tinubu has corrupted our efforts and strayed far from the vision we fought for.”
A focal point of Eze’s criticism is the reported expenditure of over 21 billion Naira on the construction of a residence for the Vice President, which he argued is both excessive and inappropriate given the current economic climate.
Eze questioned the justification for such lavish spending while ordinary Nigerians struggle with significant economic challenges.
“Spending such a massive amount on a new residence for the Vice President while the country faces severe hardship is indefensible,” Eze stated.
“Under Tinubu’s administration, corruption seems to have become entrenched, and government officials appear to indulge in extravagance at the expense of the ordinary people.”
The nationwide protests, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the state of governance and economic conditions, have underscored the public’s frustration with the current administration.
The demonstrations reflect deep-seated concerns about the high cost of living, insecurity, and perceived failures in governance.
Eze’s comments align with broader criticisms of President Tinubu’s handling of these issues, as the protests continue to highlight the disconnect between the government’s responses and the real challenges faced by Nigerians.
