Igbo Elders under the aegis of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Sunday.
According to the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, a reversal of fuel prices would have ended the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-general, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, commended the president for addressing the economic challenges facing Nigeria but expressed concern over the ongoing hunger protests and heightened tension across the country.
The Igbo elders stated that the economic policies outlined in the speech were promising but stressed that the immediate challenge was to address the protesters’ demands and prevent further chaos.
The statement reads, “The economic policies outlined are commendable, but the immediate challenge is how to address the protesters’ demands and prevent further chaos.
“We are aware that there are local sponsors, in conjunction with international conspirators, who may be waiting for an opportunity to escalate the protests into violence.
“The Southeast region is not a target for protests, but the North, Southwest, and Niger Delta regions are vulnerable to further unrest.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to address the demands of the protesters through other means and prevent the situation from escalating.
“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.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider making a pronouncement, through his media aides, to address the demands of the protesters.
“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.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the chance to demonstrate his leadership and resolve in addressing the concerns of the people.
“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.”
