In response to the ongoing nationwide protests and rising public discontent, President Bola Tinubu will address the nation on Sunday, August 4, 2024. This announcement was made by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, through an official statement on Saturday. The broadcast is scheduled for 7:00 am and will be aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
The official statement from Ngelale reads: “President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am. Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.”
The announcement comes after intense pressure from opposition leaders and the general public, who have been demanding that the President address the nation as the #EndBadGovernance protest entered its third day. The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have seen significant participation from citizens across the country, all rallying against the current economic hardships and calling for urgent reforms.
The primary grievances of the protesters include skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, widespread hunger, and the government's perceived failure to address these critical issues. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in various cities, including Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja, to voice their dissatisfaction and demand immediate action.
According to reports, at least fourteen people have been killed during the protests, with many others sustaining injuries. The violence and unrest have prompted calls for the government to take decisive action to restore order and address the root causes of the discontent.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been vocal in criticizing President Tinubu's handling of the situation. In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, called on the President to break his silence and engage with the nation. “Our Party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation,” Ologunagba stated.
The PDP has also condemned the use of force against unarmed protesters and accused the ruling party of mobilizing thugs to disrupt peaceful demonstrations. They have demanded that the President take immediate steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stabilize the Naira, and ensure the provision of essential goods to alleviate the current economic crisis.
In a related development, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State had his convoy blocked by protesters in Port Harcourt. The demonstrators, carrying green branches and placards, demanded that the governor step down and address their concerns directly. This incident is part of the broader wave of protests sweeping across the nation, highlighting the widespread frustration with the current state of governance.
The protests have not only drawn national but also international attention, with human rights organizations condemning the government's heavy-handed response to the demonstrators. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation if the government fails to address the protesters' demands promptly.
As President Tinubu prepares to address the nation, the public's anticipation is palpable. The President's speech is expected to outline concrete measures to tackle the economic challenges and restore stability. The nation's eyes will be on this broadcast, hoping for a message that can pacify the unrest and pave the way for meaningful reforms.
The upcoming address by President Tinubu represents a critical moment for his administration amidst the escalating protests. The Nigerian people, enduring severe economic hardship, are calling for decisive action and transparent governance. The nation's future stability and prosperity hinge on the government's response to these urgent demands.
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