In response to President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast addressing the recent protests in Nigeria, Chief Justice Oguche, a Port Harcourt-based lawyer and rights activist, criticized the speech for failing to address the root causes of the protests. Similarly, Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, noted that the speech was silent on the economic miscalculations that led to the protests.
Tinubu’s address came after widespread protests against hunger and high food prices caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and currency devaluation. While Tinubu highlighted his administration’s achievements, critics like Oguche felt the speech lacked empathy and failed to address the urgent issue of hunger.
Oguche emphasized the importance of understanding the protesters’ demands and the need for immediate action to alleviate hunger. Onwubiko also criticized the government’s economic policies, including currency devaluation, which have eroded purchasing power.
The critics called for a more empathetic and proactive approach from the government to address the underlying issues and restore public trust.