August 4, 2024 — The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s recent nationwide address, alleging that he failed to address key demands of the ongoing protests sweeping across Nigeria.

In his broadcast on August 4, President Tinubu spoke to the nation amid widespread demonstrations that began on August 1 and have resulted in violence in various regions. Protesters have been calling for significant changes, including reductions in petrol prices, improvements in living standards, cuts in governance costs, decreases in electricity tariffs, and solutions to rising insecurity.

The INC, through a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagba, criticized the President’s speech for not addressing these critical issues. “The president’s speech did not address the demands of Nigerians as expressed through the protesters,” the statement read.

Oyakemeagba highlighted that while Tinubu touched on some of his achievements, he overlooked several pressing matters. “He didn’t address the issues of cost of governance, corruption, the removal of subsidies on petroleum products, or the increase in electricity tariffs. Nigerians expected concrete statements on how these issues would be tackled, including a timeframe for solutions,” Oyakemeagba said.

He further lamented the severe economic conditions faced by many Nigerians, describing the current situation as one of the worst in the country’s history. “The larger population of Nigerians is experiencing extreme poverty and hunger. The clear message from the protesters is that there is hunger in the country, a direct result of bad policies. Reducing the pump price of petroleum products could alleviate many of the challenges we are facing.”

The INC also criticized the state governments’ distribution of food aid, calling it a temporary measure akin to those seen in times of war or natural disasters.