The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence amidst the ongoing nationwide protests, urging him to address the nation and reassure citizens about the pressing issues they face.

In a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP accused President Tinubu of heightening public apprehension with his lack of response and called for immediate action.

Advertorial

“The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stem the fall of the Naira, and ensure the speedy provision of food, among other critical issues. This will help revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment, and restore stability in the polity,” the statement read.

“Our party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension, suggesting 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.

Advertorial

“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent while 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.

Advertorial

“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 advantage, and refining capacity, petrol should not sell for more than N200 per litre in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.”

Advertorial

“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 funds recovered to programs that have a direct bearing on the well-being 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.”

Advertorial

Nigerian DJ, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, has issued a bold challenge to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo, urging them to address the root causes of hunger instead of resorting to threats.

Advertorial

The challenge comes in the wake of nationwide protests titled “10 Days of Rage” under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, aimed at highlighting the economic challenges facing Nigeria.

Before the protests began, Asari Dokubo warned against bringing the demonstrations to the Niger Delta region, arguing that the protesters’ agenda did not address local issues.

Advertorial

“I and all those who believe in me and those of you who are committed to the interest of the Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest. It is as clear as that,” he stated firmly. “If anybody has the right to protest, I also have the right to resist protest. Where your right stops, that is where my right begins.”

Similarly, Nyesom Wike, during a security council meeting in Abuja, raised concerns about potential property damage by protesters based on intelligence reports.

Advertorial

He also mentioned the identification of a senator suspected of sponsoring the protests.

In response to these statements, DJ Switch took to social media to directly challenge Wike and Asari Dokubo to confront the protesters face-to-face.

“The only thing that can stop HUNGER is FOOD! Not guns, not teargas, not threats from fat globs like Asari Dokubo and chicken feed Wike! I wonder why they are hiding now…. Come outside let them eat you raw!” DJ Switch posted on her X handle.

Earlier on August 1, she had encouraged Nigerians to view the hunger protests as a critical opportunity to demand better governance in the country.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the government led by President Bola Tinubu to listen to the voices of the people and address the demands of protesters participating in the #Hunger protests across Nigeria.

Atiku commended Nigerian youths for their peaceful conduct during the nationwide protests that began on Thursday.

Advertorial

In a statement from Abuja on Friday, Atiku emphasized the need for the government to demonstrate sincere commitment in addressing the grievances of the protesters.

He urged swift action, stating, “It is time to come down from your high horses and show integrity and urgency in responding to the people’s demands. The nation cannot afford further unrest.”

Advertorial

Atiku also denounced acts of vandalism against public and private property, as well as reported instances of police brutality against innocent citizens.

“While the protests have provided a vital platform for public dissent and discourse on governance, we must condemn any violence that disrupts the peace,” he stated.

He urged protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and encouraged more Nigerians to support the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest.

Advertorial

Atiku called for professionalism from the police in managing the protests, emphasizing the need for security agencies to exercise restraint and refrain from unjustly targeting journalists.

“The unnecessary use of force and brutality against innocent civilians must cease,” Atiku asserted.

He urged security agencies to identify and isolate individuals engaging in violence and looting, ensuring that their actions do not overshadow the peaceful intentions of the majority of protesters.

Advertorial

Atiku urged all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and uphold respect for the rule of law during this critical period of national dialogue on governance and accountability.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the nation amidst ongoing protests.

The demonstrations, which took place in over 25 states on Thursday and continued with less violence on Friday, highlight the public’s discontent.

Advertorial

Speaking from his home in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi emphasized the importance of the President responding to the legitimate demands of the protesters.

He also clarified a circulating video that showed him in Abuja, stating, “I am here in Onitsha; I can’t be here and be in Abuja.”

Obi acknowledged the protesters’ concerns about nationwide hardship and urged that their demands be pursued legally.

Advertorial

He insisted that President Tinubu should directly address the nation, rather than relying on aides or appointees during such critical times.

“My appeal is for the President to come out and address the nation, he is the one the people elected, holding their mandate, and he should not be using aides or appointees to reach the people at such critical times,” Obi said.

He also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to those injured and those who lost property during the protests.