The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced strong concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s lack of response amidst the ongoing EndBadGovernance protests sweeping the nation.
Nigeria is currently experiencing severe economic difficulties, with many citizens struggling to meet basic needs. This crisis has led to widespread protests, which began on Thursday and continued into Friday, involving youths from various regions, including Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, and Rivers. The protesters are demanding immediate action to end hunger and improve governance.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, called on President Tinubu to address the nation without further delay.
The statement highlighted the urgent need for the President to speak on critical issues affecting Nigerians, particularly the soaring prices of petroleum products and the rapid decline of the Naira.
The PDP expressed concern that President Tinubu’s silence is creating anxiety among the populace. They accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of being insensitive to the struggles of the citizens, pointing out the serious implications of the President’s inaction.
The statement read in part, “The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stem the fall of the Naira and ensure speedy provision of food among other critical issues so as to revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment and restore stability in the polity.
“Our Party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation.
“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government.
“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.”
It continued, “Our Party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, immediately address the nation and reassure the citizens on issues agitating their minds, particularly the reduction in the price of petroleum products and food items
“Our Party insists that with deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage and refining capacity, petrol should not sell more than N200 per litre in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.
“President Tinubu should also urgently commence the process of recovering the over N50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut the cost of governance, review all luxury items in his government and channel funds recovered to programmes that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Furthermore, while calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges the security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty of providing security and protection to the citizens.”
