Hunger Protest: Ohanaeze urges Tinubu to save Nigeria’s democracy

The pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to save Nigeria’s democracy by addressing the demands of the ongoing protesters in order to prevent further chaos.

According to a press statement signed by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, President Tinubu’s speech would have swayed the protesters out of the streets if he had reversed the fuel subsidy.

He stated further that President Tinubu has the opportunity to address the demands of the protesters through other means and prevent the situation from escalating.

The statement reads: “The Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, after careful analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broadcast to the nation on Sunday, August 4th, 2024, commends him for addressing the economic challenges facing Nigeria. The economic policies outlined in the speech are promising and could potentially address the long-term economic issues in the country.

“However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is concerned about the ongoing hunger protests and the heightened tension in the country. The anticipation of the resumption of protests from August 5th to 10th, 2024, is a cause for worry, as the protesters are demanding immediate action from the government.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech had the potential to sway the protesters off the streets if there had been a pronouncement of the reversal of fuel prices or any of the demands put forward by the organisers of the protests. The economic policies outlined are commendable but the immediate challenge is how to address the protesters’ demands and prevent further chaos.

“We are aware that there are local sponsors, in conjunction with international conspirators, who may be waiting for an opportunity to escalate the protests into violence. The Southeast region is not a target for protests, but the North, Southwest, and Niger Delta regions are vulnerable to further unrest.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the opportunity to address the demands of the protesters through other means and prevent the situation from escalating. While the implementation of the economic policies may take time, immediate action is needed to quell the protests and prevent any further destabilisation of the country.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider making a pronouncement, through his media aides, to address the demands of the protesters. A reversal of fuel prices or any other gesture of goodwill towards the protesters could go a long way in restoring peace and stability in the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the chance to demonstrate his leadership and resolve in addressing the concerns of the people. It is not too late to act and prevent any further escalation of the protests. We urge him to take swift and decisive action to save our democracy and give the government the opportunity to implement the promising economic policies outlined in his speech.”