In response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent nationwide address following ongoing protests over economic hardship, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on Nigeria’s economic managers to urgently address the grievances of the protesting youths to prevent further demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Secretary-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting the potential for another wave of anti-hunger protests between August 5th and 10th, 2024.
Despite commending President Tinubu’s courageous address and his proposed long-term economic policies, Ohanaeze expressed concern over the immediate need to quell the unrest.
The organisation pointed out that while the president’s economic strategies show promise, immediate actions such as the reduction of fuel prices could significantly pacify the protesters and their backers. “It is clear that tangible concessions could have been a significant step towards calming the situation,” the statement noted.
Ohanaeze stressed the importance of swift action from the president to prevent the escalation of protests, particularly in the North, South-West, and Niger Delta regions. They urged President Tinubu to consider making a public pronouncement addressing the protesters’ demands, which could potentially defuse the tension and pave the way for the implementation of his economic policies.
Isiguzoro emphasised the necessity for President Tinubu to act swiftly to preserve democracy and ensure the peaceful implementation of his economic agenda.
“A timely response from the president could save our democracy and provide the necessary breathing space for the implementation of his economic agenda,” he said.
The statement concluded with a call for collective efforts to ensure peace and progress in Nigeria, urging President Tinubu to promptly address the grievances of the protesters.
