The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on Nigeria’s economic managers to as a matter of urgency take steps to prevent further protests.
Reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Sunday following the ongoing protests over hardship, Ohanaeze, urged Tinubu to find alternative ways to resolve some of the demands of the protesting youths to bring an end to demonstrations.
In a statement on Saturday, signed by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organisation noted that there still tense atmosphere occasioned by further threat of another anti-hunger nationwide protest between August 5th and 10th 2024.
The organisation, however, commended President Tinubu for his courageous address to the nation, especially in wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Ohanaeze stated that it had carefully studied President Tinubu’s broadcast on Sunday, where he rolled out promising economic policies that could potentially address Nigeria’s economic challenges in the long run.
It added, ”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 statement added that the protesters, along with their local sponsors and international conspirators, were eagerly awaiting for President Tinubu’s speech to strategise for more chaotic and violent protests, particularly in the North, South-West, 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,” the organisation noted.
”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 organisers may not have the patience to wait for these policies to materialise. Therefore, we urge President Tinubu to find alternative ways to address the demands of the protesters before it is too late.”
Isiguzoro emphasised the importance of the president 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 defuse the tension and pave the way for the implementation of his economic policies,” he said.
Ohanaeze also called on 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,” the statement concluded.