…Warns Of Hardship Resulting To Anarchy
DELTA-Bight Newspaper reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent address has sparked widespread criticism for its failure to adequately address the pressing economic and humanitarian issues plaguing Nigeria.
The speech, delivered on Sunday, August 4, 2024, has been described as a “symphony of impending doom” by Delta born human rights activist, General Ejiwealth Emareyo.
In a statement personally signed issued on social media, General Emareyo expressed disappointment over the failure of the president to address the immediate quest of Nigerians to be relieved of economic hardship, hunger, fuel and electricity hike etc.
He further warned that government should take proactive measures to address the demands of protesters to avoid hardship resulting to anarchy.
Read the full statement below:
“I am writing to vehemently criticize the address delivered by Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Sunday, 4th August 2024.
“The speech seemed to evoke a sense of impending doom rather than directly addressing the current economic and humanitarian crisis that is plaguing the innocent citizens of the nation.
“It is deeply concerning to acknowledge the stark reality that ordinary Nigerian citizens are now unable to voice their grievances freely through the legitimate means of peaceful protesting under the administration of Tinubu.
“The protest on August 1st was infiltrated by troublemakers, resulting in numerous innocent citizens being subjected to harsh treatment by security forces who were ordered to suppress the protest.
“This led to the tragic loss of many Nigerian lives as they resisted the forceful tactics employed by the security personnel to quell the protest.
“I am compelled to inquire, where in the entire world, within the realm of international human rights conventions, are demonstrators restricted by law to a specific location to express discontent against oppressive governmental measures, apart from here in Nigeria?
“This poses the question of integrity, trust and concerns for ordinary citizens to the Nigeria Judiciary which by its legal powers restricted protesters in Abuja to the MKO Abiola Stadium and certain locations in other Nigeria cities.
“In my perspective, this is a meticulously crafted scheme to undermine the suffering of Nigerians by the government initially. These inhumane court injunctions have led to turmoil in various regions of the nation as peaceful protesters persist in demonstrating beyond the prescribed areas stipulated by the government.
“The Police Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun, previously urged demonstrators to submit details of their organizations to the authorities. One cannot help but question the underlying motive behind such a request. After all, the police force is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of safeguarding lives, properties, and maintaining peace within the nation.
“Regrettably, it appears that the police force has chosen to align itself with the oppressive government rather than prioritizing the welfare of the populace it is sworn to protect.
“It is imperative that the IGP and his subordinates awaken to the reality that challenges affect everyone indiscriminately. Should these adversities persist, citizens may find themselves compelled to resort to self-reliance.
“I am distressed by the fact that the common citizens of Nigeria are no longer able to afford a loaf of bread in the current market due to the exorbitant prices. How can we expect them not to express their discontent towards this situation?
“If the government wishes to deter protests, they ought to act in accordance with justice or await an inevitable revolution.
“More disheartening than the president’s futile address are the youths who allowed themselves to be manipulated against protesters, particularly those hailing from Bayelsa State.
“They were observed brandishing placards in opposition to peaceful demonstrators. It raises questions about whether they are impervious to the widespread hunger plaguing the nation.
“The entire state languishes in underdevelopment to such an extent that a significant portion of the population lacks access to potable water, relying on rivers for their bathing, sanitation, and drinking needs.
“I am also astounded by the silence of those who proclaim themselves as heroes of the Niger Delta, particularly individuals like Government Ekpemopolo, also known as Tompolo, and Asari Dokubo. It is evident that their activism was never truly aimed at benefiting the Niger Delta region, but rather solely for personal gain.
“It was truly disheartening to witness Asari and other prominent figures from the Niger Delta, including the President of the Urhobo Progress Union Youth Wing, Mr. Blessed Ughere, publicly denounce those who were peacefully protesting for their rights and livelihood.
“For me not to bore you with a lengthy discourse, let me conclude by reaffirming that the president’s address resonates as a Symphony of impending catastrophe surpassing the current predicament. It primarily offers enduring solutions that seem destined for mere rhetoric, neglecting the pressing issues of adversity, famine, inflation, soaring electricity costs, fuel subsidy cuts, escalating prices, and pervasive insecurity among other critical challenges facing the nation.
“I hereby urge the president and all relevant government agencies and officials to awaken to their duties and respond positively to the plea of the Nigerian protesters before the suffering and famine herald the nation into wanton anarchy.
Thank you and may God bless Nigeria.”
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