The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s speech to the #EndBadGovernance protesters, calling it hollow and inadequate in addressing the suffering of Nigerians.

As economic hardships intensify, many Nigerians are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities.

In response to these conditions, youths initiated protests on Thursday, which have continued into Saturday, in cities like Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, and other regions, demanding an end to hunger and poor governance.

In his response, President Tinubu, during a Sunday broadcast, urged the protesters to cease their demonstrations.


He explained that his decision to remove the fuel subsidy and unify the foreign exchange systems was necessary to eliminate the exploitation by smugglers and rent-seekers.

Tinubu added that this move also stopped the unjust subsidies benefiting neighbouring countries at the expense of Nigerians, which had severely weakened the nation’s economy.

He emphasized that the Nigerian economy had been stagnant for decades due to numerous misalignments that hindered its growth.

Tinubu said, “Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue using temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations.

“These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well.

“Yes, I agree, the buck stops with me. But I can assure you that I am fully focused on delivering governance to the people – good governance, for that matter.”

In a statement on Sunday, Atiku pointed out that President Tinubu’s broadcast overlooks the severe economic challenges that Nigerian families have faced since the start of his administration

He stated, “This address lacks credibility and fails to offer any immediate, tangible solutions to the Nigerian people. Given the extensive publicity surrounding the protests and the threats issued by government officials against demonstrators, one would have expected President Tinubu to present groundbreaking reforms, particularly those aimed at reducing the exorbitant costs of governance.

“But alas, no such announcements were made. The President ignored the protesters’ demands, such as suspending the purchase of aircraft for the President, downsizing his bloated cabinet, or even eliminating the costly and burdensome office of the First Lady, who has been indulging in extravagant trips at the nation’s expense.

“In his lacklustre recorded speech, President Tinubu offered a superficial account of his so-called reforms, revealing his own tenuous grasp of policy as he failed to convince his audience. While the President has spoken, it is unfortunate that his words lack substance and respect for the protesters’ sentiments, leaving Nigerians with little faith in his reform agenda – if one exists at all.

“We urge the President and his team to own up to their failures over the past 14 months and abandon the absurd theory that the protests are orchestrated by the opposition. This administration has failed on all fronts, even in the simple task of keeping a presidential speech confidential.

“Typically, presidential addresses are shared under embargo with media houses. However, the premature leak of this speech, allowing Nigerians to read along with the President in real-time, starkly illustrates the media, nay Nigerians dwindling confidence in this administration.”

https://punchng.com/tinubus-speech-failed-to-address-hardship-atiku/?amp

Tinubu's speech was very useless and hopeless as he totally failed to address the basic pains and cries of the Citizens.

Personally, i believe that what tinubu suceeded in doing this morning is to add fuel to the agitations and protests.

Tinubu , this is 2024. That ragaraga politics can no longer hold.
Citizens do not care whatever you have with your fellow politicians/cabals. Go sort out yourselves.

With this your address, You have failed as a leader.
If you do not have solutions to the basic problems of the citizens, you do the honorable thing by getting down.

Atiku should come out from that town hall. We are already heading to different from…

Oya Al Dubai Atiku, go to court about this

Atiku just can't handle the truth! President TINUBU is focused on real solutions, while others are busy playing politics. Nigerians know the progress is coming, and that's what matters!

I didn't see anything he said

Walahi! Tinubu is a huge huge disappointment. How could he have desired for several years to be the president of Nigeria and failed to understand Nigeria's problems as well as create his roadmap to solving them. How could he think that he could lead Nigeria without a clear roadmap.

So sad that at the present, the two things he has on his plan are imposition of tax and distribution of rice to the States.

Tinubu needs to create a policy Think-tank to brainstorm and create policy and reform ideas because there is no direction at the moment and future looks bleak. Otherwise hunger and hardship situation are likely to worsen unless with dire consequences.

Addendum: One thing that has become clear is that as Lagos State Governor, Tinubu was surrounded by PEERS who could brainstorm to create practical solution to problems like Osinbajo, Banire, Aregbesola, Fashola, etc. But now Tinubu is surrounded by empty-brained WORSHIPPERS who see him as godfather.

The speech is not for anguish filled embittered people

Atiku should focus on constructive criticism instead of just playing politics. Tinubu is trying to set a new course for Nigeria, and sometimes hard decisions are necessary for long-term growth. Let's give the man a chance to implement his reforms before passing judgment. The past 14 years have shown us the consequences of inaction.

Atiku should make his own to address the hardship.clown

PandoraObi:
The speech is not for anguish filled embittered people

You're constituting nuisance here,spamming every thread with trash. Don't you have a job?

PerfectStranger:

You're constituting nuisance here,spamming every thread with trash. Don't you have a job?

Stop using your family members to judge others

Are you guys surprised at the president's speech??

Man have been a cartel leader all his life and you expect him to start acting like he's for the people

He gives money to his cartel and they do whatever they like with it, that's how it has been now

So hoping on him is as useless as anything could be

PandoraObi:
Stop using your family members to judge others

I made my point

governors are even the problem not the president. What of all the money the president do give u people to give the masses? Please everybody should ask their governor this question and leave the center alone

Atiku just dey talk wetin no concern am.

Tinubu dey try fix the mess wey past leaders create. We need to give am time to implement proper solutions. Na so we go fit move forward together!

The speech lacked substance

He should have just recited the national pledge and end the speech there

The TV channels that aired it were better off airing a Mr Bean movie instead while the radio stations should have played an audio of rainfall in Antarctica instead

Tinubu is the worst president, yes, but it never made Atiku a saint. Atiku did us dirty too during his tenure as VP.

Imagine pigs buying dethol.