After 20 Protesters Were Killed Across Nigeria, Peter Obi Sends Powerful Message To Tinubu, See What He Said
As the nationwide protests demanding an end to bad governance continue for a second day, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’ s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the nation. Obi made this call from his residence in Onitsha, Anambra State, stressing the importance of direct communication from the President to the citizens during such critical times.
Obi responded to circulating rumors about his whereabouts after a video surfaced showing him in Abuja on the first day of the protests. He clarified that he was in Onitsha, emphasizing that he couldn’ t be in two places simultaneously. This statement aimed to dispel any confusion regarding his location and involvement in the ongoing protests.
Highlighting the legitimacy of the protesters’ demands, Obi underscored the necessity of pursuing these concerns through lawful and peaceful means. He insisted that it is crucial for President Tinubu, as the elected leader holding the people’ s mandate, to personally address the nation. According to Obi, relying on aides or appointees to communicate with the public is insufficient, especially when addressing such significant national issues. He also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to individuals who were injured or suffered property damage during the protests.
In a related development, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), a civil society organization, has also appealed to President Tinubu to speak to Nigerians about the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. The National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, emphasized the need for peaceful conduct during the protests. He urged participants to follow the law and court directives to prevent the infiltration of hoodlums, which could escalate the situation.
Sheriff noted that citizens have the constitutional right to protest and expressed concern that over 80 percent of Nigerians are involved in the demonstrations, either directly or indirectly, due to widespread hunger and economic hardship. He acknowledged several significant reforms enacted by President Tinubu during his tenure, including the 2023 Electricity Bill, the unification of the naira, the removal of fuel subsidies, the establishment of the Tax and Fiscal Reforms Committee, and the granting of Local Government Financial Autonomy. Despite these efforts, he called on the President to address the immediate concerns raised by Nigerians, particularly those related to alleviating hunger and suffering.
Additionally, Sheriff recommended that President Tinubu form a joint- stakeholders committee to address the protesters’ issues. This committee should have a clear timeline for implementing solutions, ensuring that the problems are resolved promptly to prevent further unrest. He expressed sympathy for the families and friends affected by the protests, especially those who have lost loved ones or property.
In his concluding remarks, Sheriff urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to prioritize the well- being of Nigerians, ensuring that they benefit from democracy and good governance. He highlighted the importance of addressing the cost of governance to prevent further protests that could potentially escalate into a more severe national crisis. This appeal from CEPEJ and Obi reflects a growing consensus on the need for transparent and effective communication from the nation’ s leaders, especially in times of widespread public discontent.
