The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-west has described Sunday’s broadcast by President Bola Tinubu over the ongoing nationwide protest by the citizens as disappointing and uninspiring.
The zonal publicity secretary of the PDP, Chief Sanya Atofarati, in a statement made available to Tribune Online, explained that President Tinubu failed in his broadcast to address the concerns of the protesting youths on the hunger and rising inflation in the country.
The opposition party advised the federal government to be deliberate in its efforts to address the hardship in the land, adding that it should dialogue and engage in more consultation with critical stakeholders in the country.
The party said, “The grievances of the protesters stem from a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, lack of accountability, and failure to address the basic needs of the citizens.
“By focusing solely on economic growth and development, the President is missing the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and address the underlying grievances of the people.
“While the President’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems may have had economic benefits, the lack of consultation and consideration for the most vulnerable members of society has caused unnecessary hardship and suffering.
“The disconnect between the government and the people is evident in the implementation of these policies, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance.
” Furthermore, the President’s claims of progress in various social and economic initiatives lack transparency and accountability. The lack of concrete evidence to support these statements raises doubts about the true impact of these programs on the lives of Nigerians.
“The recent protests have shed light on the deep-rooted issues of inequality, corruption, and lack of opportunities in the country, and it is crucial for the government to address these challenges with sincerity and urgency.
“As the S’West PDP, we urge President Tinubu to listen to the voices of the Nigerian people, engage in genuine dialogue, and take concrete steps to address the grievances that have led to the protests. Using force and intimidation will only exacerbate tensions and further erode trust between the government and the citizens. It is time for a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable approach to governance that reflects the aspirations and needs of all Nigerians.”
