The apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his courageous address to the nation, especially in the current tense atmosphere where the threat of the August 5th-10th 2024 hunger protests looms large. We have carefully studied President Tinubu’s broadcast on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, where he rolled out promising economic policies that could potentially address Nigeria’s economic challenges in the long run.
While we acknowledge the potential of these economic policies, we are concerned about the immediate challenge of quelling the ongoing protests across the country. The protesters, along with their local sponsors and international conspirators, were eagerly awaiting President Tinubu’s speech to strategize for more chaotic and violent protests, particularly in the North, Southwest, and Niger Delta regions. It is clear that the reduction of fuel prices, or any other tangible concession, could have been a significant step towards pacifying the protesters and their sponsors.
We understand that President Tinubu needs time to implement his economic policies effectively. However, the urgency of the current situation cannot be overstated. The protesters and organizers may not have the patience to wait for these policies to materialize. Therefore, we urge President Tinubu to find alternative ways to address the demands of the protesters before it is too late.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasizes the importance of President Tinubu taking swift action to prevent the escalation of the protests. We implore President Tinubu to consider making a pronouncement, through his media aides, that addresses the demands of the protesters. This could potentially diffuse the tension and pave the way for the implementation of his economic policies.
In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to summon his resolve and address the grievances of the protesters promptly. A timely response from the President could save our democracy and provide the necessary breathing space for the implementation of his economic agenda. Let us work together to ensure peace and progress in our beloved nation.
Signed,
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
