The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to promptly address the nation amid ongoing nationwide protests.
Since August 1, Nigerians have taken to the streets as part of the “10 Days of Rage” demonstrations to voice their dissatisfaction and demand better governance.
On Saturday, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s national publicity secretary, expressed concern that President Tinubu’s silence on the protests has heightened tensions and worsened public unrest.
Ologunagba urged President Tinubu to address the nation immediately with specific plans to alleviate the economic crisis, including lowering petroleum prices and stabilizing the naira. The PDP also condemned the violent suppression of peaceful protests, accusing the ruling party of sponsoring thugs to incite violence among defenseless demonstrators.
“It is deeply troubling that President Tinubu remains silent while Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security, and welfare, which are the primary responsibilities of the government,” the statement reads.
“The world watches in horror as APC-controlled security operatives assault, shoot, and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also inflicting violence on innocent Nigerians.
“Our Party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, address the nation immediately, and reassure citizens by tackling issues of concern, particularly the reduction in the prices of petroleum products and food items.”
The PDP spokesperson asserted that effective resource management and strategic investment in gas could lower fuel prices below ₦700 per liter.
“Our Party maintains that with adept, transparent, and innovative resource management, economic potential, comparative advantage, and refining capacity, petrol should not cost more than ₦200 per liter in Nigeria, especially with strategic investment in gas production,” he said.
“President Tinubu should also promptly begin the process of recovering over ₦50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut governance costs, review all luxury items in his government, and allocate recovered funds to programs directly benefiting Nigerians.”
The PDP also called for an investigation into alleged killings by security forces and urged professionalism in their duties.
“While calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty to provide security and protection to citizens,” the party said.
“The PDP again calls on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding in their pursuit of a responsive and people-oriented government, which has been lacking since the APC came to power in 2015.”
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