Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s recent broadcast, saying it failed to address critical issues fueling nationwide protests.
Obi described the address as “disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people” and urged Tinubu to surround himself with truth-tellers, not sycophants.
In a statement titled ‘My Response to the President’s Address’, Obi thanked Tinubu for finally speaking out but criticized the lack of empathy towards injured protesters and the failure to decisively tackle ethnic bigotry. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace democracy fully, including the right to protest.
Obi advised Tinubu to focus on pressing issues like corruption, cost of governance, and poverty alleviation, and to declare a war on insecurity, economy, and unemployment. He called for regular briefings from the President to communicate visible measures being taken to revive the nation.
“Nigerians do 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,” Obi said. He concluded by urging Tinubu to restore hope and rekindle faith in Nigeria, saying “A new Nigeria is Possible.”
