Hunger protest: Knocks, praise over Tinubu’s national broadcast

President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast has continued to generate diverse reactions within the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

While some CSOs’ leaders accused him of failing to address major concerns raised by millions of Nigerians before and during the nationwide protests, others applauded Mr President for his promise to engage in dialogue with them.

Speaking exclusively with Tribune Online, Legal Advocate for PolicyAlert based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dr Uko Etuk, argued that “President Tinubu’s address to the nation this morning was an opportunity missed to address the growing concerns of Nigerians.”

According to him, President Tinubu’s address “lacked substance and a tactical approach to avoid confronting the pertinent issues raised by Nigerians like hunger, insecurity, reverting the fuel pump price, the naira flotation amongst other demands.

“While the nation welcomed the prospect of the President addressing Nigerians as a reaction to the ongoing protest, the President failed in alleviating the pains of the people due to his economic policies that have brought untold hardship and misery on the people.

“Instead of addressing the demands of citizens, rather he dwelled on telling the story we have heard from the inception of his administration.

“Till date, the CNG buses, student loans, social welfare programs, and other people-centered initiatives of this government are at best “audio promises” to use the Nigerian Afro language. The people are dying, while the government is rather concerned with vague promises and platitudes.

“At the end of his speech, the issues of hunger, fuel price, flotation of the naira still remain largely unaddressed in his speech. If the demands of the citizens are therefore not addressed, I fear if the people will suspend the protest, hence a real missed opportunity to express sympathy to the citizens and alleviate the suffering of the people.”

On his part, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafisanjani applauded President Bola Tinubu for his recent address, urging protesters and organizers to suspend further protests and embrace dialogue.

Comrade Rafsanjani in a statement made available to Tribune Online, acknowledged the President’s recognition of the grievances driving these protests and his commitment to listening to and addressing Nigerian citizens’ concerns.

President Tinubu emphasized the need for unity and collective effort in reshaping the nation’s future, calling on all Nigerians, irrespective of age, political affiliation, tribe, or religion, to work together for a better Nigeria.

“CISLAC stands firmly with the demands for justice and reform within the administrative justice system and improved governance, as this will ensure a just and prosperous nation where peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihoods are enjoyed under a transparent and accountable government,” affirmed Rafsanjani, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Amnesty International Nigeria and Head of Transparency International Nigeria.

“President Tinubu and his appointees must stop their concerted efforts to link the protests and grievances of Nigerians to political agendas. Such attempts clearly divert attention from the pressing reality of deep poverty affecting millions of Nigerians. Instead, the government should focus on inclusively improving the economy,” added Rafsanjani.

He also appreciated President Tinubu’s unequivocal stance against ethnic division and threats, underscoring their incompatibility with Nigeria’s aspirations. CISLAC emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace, law, and order while upholding human rights in line with international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. “The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount,” added Rafsanjani.

He therefore called on Nigeria’s security operatives to heed the President’s call for respect for human rights, ensuring that peace, law, and order are maintained in accordance with these principles. The President must also give a clear directive to the security agencies not to engage in human rights violations.

“As a prominent civil society organization in Nigeria, CISLAC urges all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for dialogue. Open and constructive conversations are essential to addressing the underlying causes of unrest and finding sustainable solutions.

“CISLAC remains committed to supporting these efforts and contributing to the realization of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria.”

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