Still on Tinubu’s Speech Over Hunger Protests
By Maymunah Abdulwahab
On August 4, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation in response to widespread protests triggered by Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis. These protests, tagged #EndBadGovernance, were a direct expression of the frustrations and despair of Nigerians.
However, the president’s speech fell short of expectations, failing to provide concrete solutions to the country’s pressing problems.
President Tinubu’s address was underwhelming and disconnected from the harsh realities Nigerians have faced over the past 14 months. Government spending and taxation policies have worsened the economic situation, yet the president did not confront these issues head-on.
Moreover, the speech neglected to acknowledge or address the protesters’ key demands: reducing pump prices, tackling food shortages, addressing unemployment, curbing wasteful spending, and fighting corruption.
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This missed opportunity highlights a growing disconnect between the president and the people. Instead of addressing these concerns, the president dismissed the protests as politically motivated, which was a grave misstep.
The Nigerian Constitution mandates the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, yet the president’s speech failed to offer any concrete solutions or timelines for implementation.
A comprehensive review of Tinubu’s policy directions is imperative to realign them with the needs and expectations of the people. The government must assemble capable Nigerians to craft pragmatic, homegrown policies that address the economic crisis, rather than relying on the guidance of the World Bank and IMF, whose policies have done more harm than good.
Ultimately, President Tinubu’s response to the protests was a missed opportunity to demonstrate leadership and empathy. By failing to address the root causes of the nation’s problems, his response only adds fuel to the fire.
It is urgent that the government takes concrete steps to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria and restore the trust of its citizens.
Maymunah Abdulwahab, a PRNigeria Intern is of Department of Library and Information science Ahmadu Bello University
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