Mixed reactions trail Tinubu’s address to #EndBadGovernance protesters, Nigerians

There were mixed reactions to the nationwide address delivered on Sunday, 4th August 2024, by President Bola Tinubu.

The address tackled the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests and outlined his administration’s response to the nation’s pressing challenges.

However, the President’s address has received mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.

On X, Olagunju Oladele (#TechInitiative) noted that the President’s address focused on his achievements rather than addressing the issues.

He said, “President Tinubu’s speech was more focused on highlighting his achievements and broader initiatives rather than directly addressing the specific demands of the protesters. I understand it’s an attempt to showcase progress and build trust, but it still fails to understand his people.”

Similarly, Aliyu Tanimu, with the username #IamAliyu_Tee, said that while Tinubu condemned violence in his speech, he chose to ignore the root causes of the unrest.

“President Tinubu’s speech acknowledges protests but falls short in empathising with the masses’ grievances. He condemns violence yet ignores the root causes of unrest.
His focus on economic reforms and achievements seems tone-deaf amidst widespread suffering,” he posted.

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2022 general election, Omoyele Sowore, in a quoted post to the address on X, called it “Beautiful Nonsense.”

Sowore had posted the speech hours earlier on his page before the President made the broadcast.

This sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians who demanded to know why it was “leaked,” with some suggesting that Tinubu’s media aide be sanctioned.
Sowore, via his official handle #yelesowore, posted, “#officialABAT Much Ado About Nothing Speech to be delivered as a continuation of the 2023 election campaign.
CAMPAIGN AFTER ELECTION! #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria revolt continues until we win! #RevolutionNow #DaysOfRage.”

Another X user, #Mr_Teekay001, regarded the address as a threat.

He wrote, “Did anyone else sense he issued a threat in his address? He’s just talking about abstract achievements that won’t materialise anytime soon. It’s frustrating to hear promises without any concrete plans or timelines for implementation. Such statements only serve to increase scepticism and erode public trust. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.”

Another user, Changing Narratives with the username #xtianareal, wrote, “President Tinubu succeeded in inspiring all who’d been chilling at home to join the
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest by Monday.

“His scriptwriters don’t learn at all, pushing propaganda instead of addressing issues. Since they’re so out of touch with reality, it will hit them soon.”

Conversely, Omogbolahan, #GbolahanAkinwum, wrote, “A summary of President Tinubu’s address regarding the elimination of fuel subsidies and implementation of a uniform exchange rate, among other topics relevant to the current protests, emphasising that although challenging, these measures will ultimately prevent future difficulties.”
An X user, #Imran_Khan0855, stressed the non-reversal of subsidy removal.

He said, “In summary, President Tinubu contradicted himself. He won’t reverse his decision on the fuel subsidy, but he is asking us to embrace dialogue. Dialogue on what exactly? He has no plans to listen to Nigerians. He should’ve just kept quiet and continued with his agenda.”

In his view, GOOD MAN (#Ezinwa_Maduka) said, “President Tinubu is an unrepentant tyrant. His speech is nothing but insults and blackmail against the Nigerian people, addressing nothing but grandstanding over his failed policies, unwilling to take responsibility for more than 40 persons killed by his government in three days.”

From Facebook, Ayekooto Akindele wrote, “My condolences to all fuel subsidarians across the nation. May God grant you the fortitude to bear this irrevocable loss.

“Don’t allow your livelihood to rely entirely on awoof from CBN or NNPC because you don’t know when your Tinubu will arrive! Get decent work!”

Reacting, Oluwafisayomi Oyeyemi, #Realzaddylion, posted, “If you are a supporter of this APC, jokes aside you need to be ashamed of yourself seriously. These people are disgracing you.”

However, in a show of support, another X user, #Olai_Yus, said Tinubu had shown good prospects to improve the standard of living so far.

“Patience is the missing ingredient and with a little more time. We’ll get it right. Rome wasn’t built in a day. With the policies and reforms seen so far, I know Tinubu is making headway.”

According Online reports that a major protest erupted on Thursday, 1st August, across Nigeria, driven by public dissatisfaction with current economic and social conditions.
Demonstrators voiced their frustrations nationwide, calling for reforms and greater accountability.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu appealed for patience with his policies and urged citizens not to let hoodlums exploit the unrest.

The protest underscored the nation’s desire for change while highlighting the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue.