By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AFTER the much anticipated national broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on the ongoing bloody national protest tagged #Endbadgovernance, mixed reactions have trailed the broadcast.

Civil Society Organizations CSOs, speaking with Vanguard expressed divergent views about the broadcast as the protest enters day four across the country.

President’s broadcast complete disaster –Adeyanju

One of those involved in the nationwide protest, Comrade Deji Adeyanju described the broadcast by President Bola Tinubu as complete disaster.

Adeyanju said: “President Bola Tinubu failed to address the demands of protesters, not even one, and it is very disappointing and unfortunate, because there is no other way to explain it. Those people at the Villa are capable of not making the President see or hear what is going on in the country. The President could not order the arrest of people who killed peaceful protesters in the last couple of days and it is really sad.

“The President’s broadcast to the nation was just a complete disaster, a very disappointing broadcast indeed.

“Our expectations from the broadcast were so many, that he has spoken with political leaders at all levels, politicians are now willing to make sacrifices for the country, because on day one of his administration he asked Nigerians to make sacrifices they are failing and refusing to make sacrifices.

“The issue of fuel subsidy, electricity tariff was on the front burner, and many other things we were expecting to hear from the President, unfortunately, none of these things were dealt with.

“Our advice is for the President to listen to the yearnings of the people, meet the demands of the protesters because the demands of the protesters are not extraordinary. Although, I am not surprise that this is the approach the President is taking, President William Ruto of Kenya also in his two initial speeches was just like this Tinubu’s speech, like campaign promise, eventually when he (Ruto) saw the resolve of the Kenyan people, he has to reverse and abolish the Tax Bill.

“So President Tinubu should not wait till the matter degenerates to that of Kenya, let him listen to the people because the ‘Voice of the People is the Voice of God.’ Attending to the demands of the people is the right thing to do.”

Meanwhile, he said, “Protest continues tomorrow nationwide, protest currently happening in parts of the country today.”

However, according to him, on the destructions so far recorded during the couple of days of the protest, genuine protesters have not been seen involved in any form of destruction.

Speech didn’t address heart of Nigerians – HOMEF

…it lacked core of what was needed

The Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation HOMEF, Arc Nnimmo Bassey said, “The speech unfortunately did not address the heart of the people. Recognizing the suffering, pains of the people, as well as the loss of lives was okay. The rest of the speech was about things that probably may bear fruit in the future. He missed the opportunity to address the key low-hanging fruits that have been demanded by the people.

“What was significant about the speech is that the president spoke to the nation. His silence was very disturbing. However, the speech sounded like a student setting a question for himself, answering the question and then marking it. The speech was something a Minister of Information could have presented. It lacked the core of what was needed.

Expectations about broadcast

Bassey said, “We had expected the President to address the issues of high energy costs including petrol and electricity, inflation and government wastefulness. Some of us expected a reduction in energy costs, cut in foreign travels and allowances of officials at all levels — to show that the cries of the people were heard.

Advice to President on call to end protest

He (Bassey) said, “The demands of the people should be addressed urgently. They are tenable and fishes. Skirting around the issues is not helpful.”

Absence of concrete dialogue framework – ANEEJ

The Executive Director, African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, said: “The President’s response to the BadGovernance protest was a good way to acknowledge government commitment to dialogue with the people. But what was missing in the speech is the absence of a concrete dialogue framework to define how the government intends to implement the commitment. Empty promises to weaken the protest will be a tragedy.

“The introduction part of the speech was really unfortunate as I can see that the government was keener to label the protest as political which is not true. The President should have avoided this route because it will infuriate the protesters across the country.

“It was good but the content was empty and the President failed to show empathy towards the people’s suffering. Showing empathy is not a sign of weakness but demonstration of leadership. The speech failed to deliver action that will address the key issues raised by the BadGovernance protesters.

“The President should have used the opportunity to demonstrate his understanding of issues raised by us and go ahead to address them, but he was more concerned with how to discredit the struggle which is not unusual with the establishment.

“The president’s speech should have addressed issues around governance such as transparency and accountability around the oil sector which is the major source of income to the Federal Government. You should have seen the widespread corruption in the oil revenue management.

“Dangote’s disclosure recently reinforced what we have been saying about the lack of transparency and accountability in the oil industry. The President should have announced the creation of permanent dialogue with the Protesters.

“The President should have also confirmed his commitment to the implementation of Nigeria Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, and the Open Government Partnership, OGP, and the global Forum on Asset Recovery, GFAR, Principles. The three initiatives provide a practical blueprint on how to strengthen governance and accountability.

Advice to President

Ugolor said: “The president has shown any willingness to accept the fact that without protest there will be no democracy.

“We are not under an autocratic government and protest is a very important tool for citizens to protest against poor governance issues.

“The president cannot stop the protest because it is the legitimate right of the people. He should create a dialogue framework to guarantee discussion and assure the people of his commitment to follow through.”

Tinubu’s speech completely missed the point – Global Rights

The Executive Director, Global Rights, Nigeria, Abiodun Baiyewu, said: “No. President Tinubu’s speech failed to address the protesters’ demands. It focused on the things the government had done but had not yielded any meaningful results for Nigerians.

“I think the President’s speech completely missed the point. The agitations of Nigerians were about the maladministration of policies and the current cost of governance that has resulted in their unprecedented sufferings.

“The president failed to address their sufferings! He failed to proffer solutions to their suffering.

“I think most people had expected the president to step to the plate and address their demands directly. Most of us thought he would lay out a plan for first reducing the cost of petroleum which had initiated the economic spiral, and thereafter, give timelines on how the government intends to end the importation of fuel through the activation of local refineries giving concrete timelines.

“We thought he would address the food insecurity and the descent into deep-seated poverty. We thought he would address the cost of governance and how he intends to reduce it.

“We also thought that he would address the violence meted out on protesters by security agents and his plans to investigate these killings.

“Unfortunately, he clearly displayed the fact that he is tone-deaf to their demands.”

In her advice to to the President on his call to end the protest, “I think that the president needs to make another address highlighting the issues noted above. Rather than be in a hurry to tell them to get off the streets, he needs to ensure that he makes them feel heard and show a commitment to accountability.

“He needs to show that their pains matter to him. Will he provide security for farmers to produce and transport their produce to the rest of the country? Will he provide short-term reliefs that are pro-poor? Will he humble himself enough to admit that they haven’t gotten it right so far and state a commitment to listening to citizens-led solutions to these issues? Until then, he may find it difficult to change the narrative. Bullying will not work.”

President’s speech fell short addressing core demands of protesters – Actionaid

The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, Andrew Mamedu, said, “President Tinubu’s recent speech, while lengthy and comprehensive in detailing his administration’s achievements and economic reforms, fell short of directly addressing the core demands of the protesters.

“The protesters, who have taken to the streets in response to issues like soaring hunger, high cost of living, excessive cost of governance, insecurity, and the removal of the fuel subsidy, anticipated a more targeted response from the President.

“However, the speech largely focused on justifying the administration’s economic policies, defending its record, and highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects rather than offering specific and actionable solutions to the protesters’ concerns.

“For instance, while the President emphasized the removal of fuel subsidies and economic reforms, he did not provide immediate or detailed plans to mitigate the resultant rise in living costs or to support the most vulnerable populations.

“Additionally, there was minimal discussion on the need to address insecurity, which remains a significant issue for many Nigerians. The absence of a clear, actionable roadmap to address these specific demands undermines the perceived sincerity and effectiveness of the administration’s response.

“President Tinubu’s recent speech highlighted several positive developments, including commitments to expanding infrastructure projects, economic recovery, and youth empowerment. Noteworthy measures include the removal of tariffs and import duties on key agricultural products for an initial six-month period, the allocation of funds for housing and education, and updates on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative. These actions reflect a willingness to address long-term structural challenges in Nigeria.

“However, the speech fell short in addressing several core demands of the protesters. Issues such as reducing hunger, managing the high cost of governance, improving security, and ensuring equitable distribution of scarce resources were not adequately tackled. Instead, the President’s address disproportionately focused on condemning the violence and vandalism associated with the protests, rather than engaging constructively with the protesters’ grievances.

“While the President’s claims of significant strides in economic management and infrastructure development may be valid, they do not directly address the immediate concerns raised by the protesters. The speech highlighted increased government revenue and infrastructure projects but lacked detail on how these achievements will provide immediate relief for the high cost of living or improve security.

“The emphasis on the negative aspects of the protests overshadowed the specific demands articulated by the demonstrators. The condemnation of violence is understandable, but the responsibility for these actions was placed primarily on the protesters, with minimal acknowledgment of the role of state and security forces.

“Furthermore, the defense of past decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, without offering concrete measures to mitigate their impact, could be perceived as dismissive of the protesters’ immediate needs. The call for dialogue, though essential, may appear insufficiently proactive given the severity of the situation on the ground.

“The speech also lacked a clear strategy for addressing critical economic issues such as inflation and the depreciation of the Naira. Although the increase in government revenues and efforts to close financial loopholes were mentioned, there was no detailed discussion on how these resources would alleviate economic pressures on ordinary citizens. The absence of specific measures to improve exchange rates and tackle inflation leaves many questions unanswered about the government’s approach to stabilizing the economy.

“Overall, while the President’s speech contained some positive elements, it failed to directly address the protesters’ core demands and lacked a clear strategy for resolving pressing economic and social issues faced by Nigerians.

“President Tinubu’s speech came with high expectations from the public, who were keenly anticipating a direct and substantive response to the ongoing protests.

“Many hoped for the President to acknowledge the protesters’ specific demands, including addressing the urgent issues of soaring living costs, insecurity, and economic challenges.

“There was a strong desire for concrete and immediate measures to mitigate the impact of recent economic reforms. This included financial support or targeted subsidies to aid those most affected by the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic adjustments.

“Additionally, there was a call for meaningful engagement with protest leaders, inviting them for dialogue to address their concerns directly and work towards a resolution. An empathetic approach that recognised and responded to the public’s frustrations was also highly anticipated.

“In light of his call for an end to the protests, President Tinubu needs to take a more focused approach. It is crucial for him to directly address the core issues that have driven the protests, such as tackling hunger, reducing the cost of governance, and improving security. Clear, actionable plans are needed to address these challenges and should be communicated in detail to show that the administration is responding to the protesters’ demands.

“Engagement with protest leaders is another critical step. Establishing formal channels for dialogue would allow for a constructive discussion on the concerns raised by the demonstrators. This engagement should be genuine, aiming to understand and address the specific issues highlighted by the protests.

“Additionally, there must be a clear explanation of how increased government revenue will be used. Transparency in how resources are allocated will help rebuild public trust and ensure that the financial measures are effectively addressing the needs of the population.

“Furthermore, the President should outline a comprehensive strategy for managing economic challenges, particularly inflation and the stabilization of the Naira. Addressing these economic issues is essential for providing relief to ordinary citizens and ensuring long-term economic stability.

“By focusing on these areas, President Tinubu can work towards de-escalating the current tensions, demonstrating a responsiveness to the people’s concerns, and fostering a more constructive path forward for the nation.”

Tinubu’s call for dialogue, commitment to address concerns commendable – CISLAC

The Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Awual Rafsanjani, applauded President Bola Tinubu for his address, in which he urged protesters and organizers to suspend further protests and embrace dialogue.

Rafsanjani acknowledged the President’s recognition of the grievances driving these protests and his commitment to listening to and addressing Nigerian citizens’ concerns.

He said: “CISLAC stands firmly with the demands for justice and reform for the administrative justice system and improved governance as it will ensure a just and prosperous nation where peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihoods are enjoyed under a transparent and accountable government.

“President Tinubu and his appointees must also stop concerted efforts to link the protests and grievances of Nigerians to politics. Doing so, is clearly an attempt to divert attention from the reality of deep poverty plaguing millions of Nigerians right now. Rather the government should focus on improving the economy inclusively.

“The organization appreciates President Tinubu’s unequivocal stance against ethnic division and threats, underscoring their incompatibility with Nigeria’s aspirations.

“CISLAC emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace, law, and order while upholding human rights in line with international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.

“CISLAC calls on Nigeria’s security operatives to heed the President’s call for respect for human rights, ensuring that peace, law, and order are maintained in accordance with these principles.

“The President must also give a clear directive to the security agencies not to engage in human rights violations.

“As a prominent civil society organization in Nigeria, CISLAC urges all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for dialogue. Open and constructive conversations are essential to addressing the underlying causes of unrest and finding sustainable solutions.

“CISLAC remains committed to supporting these efforts and contributing to the realization of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria.”

Critical issues missing in President’s speech – NADECO

The Chairman, National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, USA, and President of the Ijaw Diaspora, Prof Mondy Gold, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent address, said the President’s speech, rather than heralding a transformative vision, seemed mired in complacency and a lack of foresight, appearing content with the status quo at the expense of the nation’s youth and future generations.

Prof Gold said: “The President’s words failed to address the pressing issues that grip our nation, such as insecurity and unemployment.

“These critical issues, which are central to the well-being of our people, were notably absent, leaving a palpable void where leadership and reassurance should have been.”

“The absence of a clear strategy to tackle these fundamental concerns has cast doubt on the administration’s priorities and direction.

“In these uncertain times, it is the fervent hope of the Nigerian Diaspora that our leadership will recognize the urgency of the moment and forge a path that prioritizes the welfare and prosperity of all Nigerians.”

Highlighting additional concerns, he pointed out that the President’s speech failed to engage with other deep-rooted issues impeding Nigeria’s progress. These include the lingering effects of colonialism, the intricacies of social diversity, pervasive corruption, the tumultuous political landscape, workforce deficiencies, management inefficiencies, policies detrimental to peace and development, low savings rates, and the scarcity of foreign investment.

“Confronted with these enduring challenges, we urge Nigerians to stand firm in their beliefs.

“Let our collective voice rise as a clarion call, demanding transparency and better governance throughout Nigeria.”

Despite past pledges that have evaporated, leaving shadows of scepticism, he (Gold) called for renewed determination in the quest for significant reforms. He also championed measures that will fundamentally transform the nation, such as prohibiting the use of personal generators by all public officials, slashing the remuneration of legislators by a minimum of 60 per cent, and promptly redefining the functions of religious entities while streamlining federal ministries.

“These are not mere recommendations but pivotal steps toward the rejuvenation of our nation,” he asserted.

Furthermore, Prof Gold stressed that the immediate restructuring of Nigeria is not merely a wish but a prerequisite for lasting peace and prosperity. “We cannot afford to linger in stagnation; the moment for decisive change is upon us”, he said.