Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Dumebi Kachikwu, and Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Tony Okocha have urged Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more time to implement his economic reforms.
They praised the president’s recent address to the nation following protests against the economic crisis in various states.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Labour Party (LP) member Dr. Doyin Okupe, and former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili expressed that President Tinubu’s address did not adequately address the demands of the protesters.
### Tinubu: A Listening Leader, Says Fintiri
Governor Fintiri called on the protesters to cease their actions, stating that President Tinubu is a responsive leader who understands their concerns and will address their grievances. In a broadcast to the state, Fintiri encouraged the continuation of peaceful protests and assured that the president would take steps to alleviate their suffering. He praised the orderly conduct of the protests over the past four days and stressed the importance of maintaining peace.
He said, “We shall work with you to ensure that the demands are attended to. The president is a listening leader.” Fintiri emphasized that the protesters’ demands are legitimate and deserving of the Federal Government’s attention.
### Okocha: President’s Speech Comprehensive
In Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Tony Okocha commended the president’s speech as thorough and comprehensive. He noted that Tinubu highlighted innovative policies aimed at revitalizing the economy and expressed confidence in the government’s ability to overcome the current challenges.
Okocha remarked, “The President’s broadcast was thorough and comprehensive, showing a man prepared to lead Nigeria out of its economic doldrums.”
### ‘Don’t Instigate Violence Against Tinubu’
Dumebi Kachikwu cautioned the opposition against inciting violence and urged them to allow President Tinubu to fulfill his mandate. He advised the opposition to offer constructive solutions rather than criticism and suggested that the 2027 elections would be the appropriate time to challenge the administration.
Kachikwu stated, “The job of the opposition now is to oppose and propose, not just to criticize without offering solutions. Heating up the polity and attempting to undermine a democratically elected government is akin to a coup.”
### Tinubu Hasn’t Disappointed Nigerians – Okupe
Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson, asserted that President Tinubu has not disappointed Nigerians with his address. He highlighted the president’s clear articulation of the economic challenges inherited by his administration and the steps taken to alleviate them, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to reduce debt servicing.
Okupe praised the administration’s achievements, including doubling the minimum wage, funding the students’ loan scheme, and boosting national oil production. He emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing the cost of living and food inflation through temporary import measures.
### Tinubu Failed to Address Issues, Says Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Tinubu’s speech, stating that it did not address the root causes of the protests. His media office released a statement arguing that the address lacked credibility and failed to offer immediate, tangible solutions.
### PDP: President Should Meet Protesters’ Demands
PDP Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba echoed this sentiment, stating that the president’s speech would only be meaningful if it met the protesters’ demands, such as reducing fuel prices and addressing food shortages.
### Speech Failed to Connect, Says Ezekwesili
Dr. Oby Ezekwesili described the president’s speech as underwhelming and disconnected from the protesters’ concerns. She criticized it as lacking in empathy and failing to provide clear, evidence-based actions to address the economic crisis.
Ezekwesili tweeted, “The speech was terribly underwhelming and failed to connect with the protesters’ demands. It seemed more focused on retaliating against perceived enemies rather than addressing the issues at hand.”
(TheNation)