The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the nation despite the crippling nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests by Nigerians.
The main opposition party conveyed this position in a statement issued on Saturday by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, where it demanded that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stabilize the naira, and ensure the speedy provision of food, among other critical issues, in order to revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment, and restore stability in the polity.
According to the statement, the PDP is concerned that Tinubu’s silence is sending a 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.
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The statement continued: “It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security, and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government.
“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot, and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.
“Our Party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, immediately address the nation, and reassure the citizens on issues agitating their minds, particularly the reduction in the price of petroleum products and food items.
“Our Party insists that with deft, transparent, and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantages, and refining capacity, petrol should not sell for more than N200 per liter in Nigeria, especially with strategic investment in gas production.
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“President Tinubu should also urgently commence the process of recovering the over N50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut the cost of governance, review all luxury items in his government, and channel recovered funds into programs that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Furthermore, while calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges the security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty of providing security and protection to the citizens.”
The PDP again called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the pursuit of a responsive and people-oriented government “which has eluded the nation since the coming of the APC in 2015.”