The Delta State Obidient Elders’ Council has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the ongoing hunger and hardship crises in Nigeria.
This comes in the wake of nationwide protests, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, which began on August 1, 2024, driven by the determination of Nigerian youths to challenge the Federal Government’s handling of economic issues.
In a statement signed by the Council’s Chairman, Chris Biose, and Secretary, Solomon Akeni, the elders emphasized the urgency of addressing these pressing issues. Released to journalists on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital, the statement urged President Tinubu to move beyond grandstanding and focus on realistic solutions for the masses.
“The youth’s disregard for the appeals by traditional and religious leaders to halt the protests highlights the disconnect between these institutions and the younger generation,” the statement read. The Council underscored that the protestors’ demands, including a reduction in fuel prices, lower governance costs, and fair compensation for all public servants, aim to foster a more just and livable Nigeria.
The Council lamented the descent of peaceful protests into violence and property damage in some regions, attributing this to the Federal Government’s failure to address deep-seated political and social issues. They cited Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum’s observation that the majority of protesters in Maiduguri were underage as evidence of these systemic problems.
Additionally, the Council criticized President Tinubu for not addressing critical issues such as the killings of crop farmers by armed Fulani herdsmen, which they identified as a key factor in the country’s food insecurity. They also pointed out his silence on the rampant oil theft undermining the economy and the lack of investigation into the police’s brutal actions against citizens.
The Council’s statement is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and effective action to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and restore confidence in the government’s commitment to their well-being.
