• FG generates N9.1 trillion in six months, says Tinubu • ‘President’s speech inspires no hope, repetition of old promises’ • Your broadcast offers no solution to the economic hardship – Atiku • Not addressing violent crackdown by security forces a serious omission, says Soyinka • Speech empty, full of sound and fury – Ajaero • Russian flag display: Embassy denies alliance with protesters Many Nigerians, who have been hopeful of President Bola Tinubu’s soothing words to perhaps calm the nerves of agitated protesters nationwide, got his speech yesterday morning, but without the much-needed soothing effect. The 15-minute broadcast and 2078-word speech catalogued the controversial policies of the government with an air of achievement, bemoaned the protests, issued some threats against violence, and ended without addressing any of the 10-point requests of the protesters – and much for the concerns of most Nigerians.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters, across various groups nationwide, have been staging protests to press home for an end to anti-people policies, reversal of fuel prices, demand N70,000 minimum wage that has been assented to by Mr President, reversal of the hike in tertiary education fees by many institutions, disclosure of public officials’ salaries and benefits to deepen accountability and transparency. Also, on the request list are electoral reforms, including the autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), .