By Habeeb Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation on Sunday, August 4, 2024, amidst ongoing protests against hardship, fuel subsidy removal, and other policies that have sparked widespread unrest.
The president’s address, scheduled for 7am, comes after three days of protests that have degenerated into violence in some states, resulting in over 40 deaths, according to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Tinubu’s silence on the matter, calling it “worrisome.” “It is worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security, and welfare,” said Debo Ologunagba, spokesman for the PDP.
However, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has assured that the president is monitoring the situation closely. “Mr. President has been monitoring the situation, as he ought to. Very responsibly, and alert,” Bagudu said during a Channels Television program.
The protests, which began on Wednesday, have seen Nigerians take to the streets to demand a reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and other policies they consider anti-people. The government has yet to respond to the demands, fueling concerns about the situation escalating further.
President Tinubu’s address is expected to provide some clarity on the government’s position and potentially calm tensions. However, with emotions running high, it remains to be seen how the president’s words will be received by the protesting masses.
