Anita Ogona
- Igbo bu Igbo Southeast has reacted to presidents Tinubu’s address which he said missed the issue at hand and dwelt more on the past when people requested something of important at present.
National Leader Igbo bu Igbo Southeast forum led by chief Uzozie Henry obiajulu Director of Henry Marshall foundation along with elders in Council, Response to the President’s Address.
Having led the call for the President to address the nation, while communicating to the Journalist, At a seminar in Enugu state.
How ever I must begin by thanking the President for finally addressing the people, albeit belatedly, which might have prevented the unnecessary loss of innocent lives, including those of our security agents, Chief Uzozie, also thanks the Southeast and the Igbo’s all over the nation, for listing to him for not joining the protest. Which was Stated clear that we Igbo’s are not hungry for food Rather hungry for more development and infrastructures in the southeast, and also the addition of the Orlu state in the southeast to balance the region.
Chief Uzozie commiserated with families of those who lost their loved ones in the protest, he said the president would have shown some empathy towards those who were injured, arrested, and detained due to the overzealous and unprofessional conduct of some security operatives, this was unfortunately not the case.
It is the responsibility of the government to identify criminal elements attempting to disrupt the protest through looting and other unlawful behaviours and to protect those genuinely exercising their democratic rights.
Nigeria must embrace all tenets of democracy, including the right to protest, without selective adherence. I also appreciate mr president condemnation of the ethnic bigotry being propagated by some individuals against other ethnic groups.
He said, I had hoped for more decisive action, such as the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, to demonstrate that such intolerance will not be tolerated in today’s Nigeria.
The President’s address regrettably appeared disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people and failed to address critical issues that initially triggered the protest. It either reflects a lack of awareness among his advisers regarding the scale of anger, hunger, and hardship in the country, or a deliberate choice to disregard it.
At this point, I strongly advise the President to distance himself from sycophants and surround himself with individuals who will present the unvarnished truth.
While the President’s speech focused on the past, the people are concerned with the present and the future. He should begin by addressing pressing issues such as the exorbitant cost of governance, measures to tackle corruption, the high cost of living, and directing resources effectively towards critical areas like health, education, poverty alleviation and approving electorally reform system in Nigeria
I respectfully reiterate that the President should declare a war on insecurity, economy, poverty, unemployment, and the power sector.
Persistent issues of corruption and mismanagement of public funds must be addressed decisively. As is done in other nations during such times, regular briefings, whether quarterly or biannually, from the President are essential to clearly communicate the visible and verifiable measures being taken to revive the nation from its current state of hopelessness, restore hope, and rebuild trust in our country.
I also humbly request that the President reduce the repetition of how dire the situation is; every Nigerian is already aware of the extent of the problems. Mr President, you and your team were elected not just to witness the protests but to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Chief Uzozie stated that nigerians should not expect the President to solve the nation’s problems overnight, but we do expect a concerted effort to address the mismanagement of public resources, reduce the high cost of governance, and tackle issues like insecurity, corruption, electricity, agriculture, and productivity to set the country on a path to recovery and growth.
By doing so, the President can restore hope and rekindle the people’s faith in our dear country Nigeria.
National Leader Igbo bu Igbo Southeast Forum Chief Uzozie Henry obiajulu pleaded with the masses to end this protest and give mr president more time to fix the nation that he knows the importance of good governance.
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