The influential Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the current protests sweeping Nigeria, emphasizing the need to respond to demonstrators’ demands to avert further unrest.
In a press release penned by Secretary-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization contended that had President Tinubu addressed the issue of fuel subsidies in his recent address, it might have encouraged protesters to leave the streets.
Isiguzoro asserted that there remain various avenues for President Tinubu to engage with the protesters’ requests, thereby preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.
The statement elaborated: “Following a thorough review of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address to the nation on August 4th, 2024, Ohanaeze Ndigbo commends his acknowledgment of Nigeria’s economic difficulties. The initiatives proposed could potentially pave the way for long-term solutions to the nation’s economic challenges.
“Nonetheless, the organization expresses concern regarding the ongoing hunger protests and the escalating tensions within the country. The expected resurgence of protests between August 5th and 10th, 2024, raises alarms, as demonstrators are calling for urgent government action.
“Had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu included a commitment to reverse fuel price hikes or addressed other demands put forth by protest leaders, his speech could have potentially eased tensions. While the proposed economic strategies are laudable, the immediate concern is how to respond to the protesters’ needs and preempt further disorder.
“We are cognizant of the existence of local backers and international elements that may seek to fuel the protests into violent confrontations. Although the Southeast region may not be a primary target for unrest, the North, Southwest, and Niger Delta areas are particularly susceptible to potential upheaval.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a pivotal opportunity to engage with the protesters’ demands through various means to avert escalation. While the rollout of economic policies may require time, swift action is essential to quell the protests and stabilize the nation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make a public statement, possibly through his communications team, to address the protesters’ concerns. A reversal of fuel prices or similar goodwill gestures could significantly contribute to restoring peace and order in the country.
“This is a defining moment for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exemplify his leadership by addressing the pressing concerns of the populace. It is not too late to take meaningful action to prevent further escalation of the protests.”
“We implore him to act decisively to safeguard our democracy and allow the government to implement the beneficial economic policies highlighted in his address.”
