* The President Has Again Bungled A Great Opportunity To Bring An End To The Quagmire, Chose To Play To The Gallery.
* As The Long-suffering Nigerian Masses, We Remain Resolute In Not Only Our Demands But Importantly Also In Getting Justice For The Tons Of Our Fellow Innocent Countrymen And Women, Slain In The Course Of This Struggle.
* We Will Intensify The Struggle/Protest Across The Country With Renewed Vigour And Determination.
* We Hold The President and The Inspector General Of Police Pointedly Responsible For The Violence And Killings With Which They Have Visited On The Citizens’ Action So Far.
The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network,WYSN, a Network of Working People And Youths all across the country, say it has received the address of Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu on the ongoing nationwide protest, with complete disappointment.
The group said on Sunday that ” careful review of the speech shows nothing more than a rehash of the usual rhetorics with which Nigerian governments (at all levels), have typically approached issues in the country, including crucial issues affecting the lives and wellbeing of the citizenry.
Similarly, another group named the Revolutionary Socialist Movement, RSM, in Nigeria has called on Nigerians ” not to be deterred by any form of intimidation by the government as it is a normal thing with successive administrations to bully citizens and sweep it under the carpet.
According to RSM, “The ruling class in Nigeria both past and present are undemocratic capitalist politicians that support neo liberal policies that make life unliveable for ordinary people, it said on a statement on Sunday after the nationwide broadcast by President Tinubu.
“We call on Nigerians to continue to come out until the Tinubu/APC government is forced to take some measures. Community organisers must closely monitor the developments in the country and hold the Tinubu administration accountable for the lives lost.
“We equally call on all Nigerians to totally reject the mass hunger and suffering brought by this regime and not to back down until the demands presented are meet. Nigeria have enough resources to take care of everyone but the greed of capitalists and politicians in power won’t allow equitable distribution of our collective wealth.
“We call on Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to immediate commence general strikes to demand end to massacre, reversals of all anti poor policies. They have to present a plan of action, organise mass meetings where this plan is discussed with the rank and file, and assume determined action. There’s no hope under the Tinubu regime. The Tinubu reckless economic policies started on May 29, 2023 when he announced complete removal of subsidy. Labour leaders were unwilling to fight back.”
Northern Coordinator of the Workers and Youth Solidarity Network, Comrade Iortyom Moses in a statement on Sunday, said,
“It is even more disappointing to note that, whereas the masses had placed clear and concise genuine demands for action for the government, President Tinubu sadly chose to bypass these and delivered a speech that has neither mettle nor substance and did not address in any concrete way, even one of the demands of the protesters.
“Furthermore, the president totally ignored and turned a blind eye, to the massacre and violence unleashed by the Police, who against all laid down local and international rules in International Charters and Constitutional provisions, used live ammunition on innocent protesters who were duly exercising their fundamental right to protest.
He said that “as at last count, over 50 persons are confirmed been killed while about 1000 have been variously arrested and detained in parts of the country.
“His silence in the face of this abhorrent acts simply lends tacit support to it and emboldens the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement entities to tow similar line. We condemn abhorrent act in its entirety and we have accordingly added ” Justice for the Slain” as a part in our demands List.
“The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network, WYSN, calls on Nigerians, not to be deterred by the intimidations of the government for indeed, the cause they are fighting for is genuine and they are on the right path of history.
“Nigeria has enough resources to cater for every one of its citizen, but the unbridled greed of the ruling class has robbed the citizenry of equitable distribution of the nation’s collective wealth.
“We make it abundantly clear that, no responsible and responsive government will continue to remain aloof and be favouring the rich while the poor die of hunger and deprivation. In Nigeria, this has been the status quo for decades, a system effectively hoisted by neo-liberal economic policies propagated by the World Bank, IMF and their Western allies and collaborators. We therefore call on Nigerians to totally reject the inflation, the hunger and suffering inflicted on the economy and masses by the anti-poor policies of this regime.
‘Lastly, we strongly call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to immediately commence general strikes to demand for an end to the massacre of innocent protesters as well as the reversal of all anti-poor policies enacted by the present regime as these and the unmitigated sleaze and corruption, are the origin of the quagmire the nation and it’s citizens faces today.”
In his dawn broadcast on Sunday, President Tinubu has highlighted the reforms of his 14- month old administration and called on the protesters to suspend the protest and embrace dialogue.
Key focus of Tinubu in his Speech include:
Condolences and Call for Peace:
The President expressed sorrow over lives lost during the protests and called for an end to violence. “I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction,” Tinubu stated.
Suspension of Protests:
Tinubu urged protesters to suspend further demonstrations and engage in dialogue. He said, “I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue.”
Economic Reforms:
The President defended his decision to remove fuel subsidies and reform the foreign exchange system, stating these actions were necessary to “reverse the decades of economic mismanagement.”
Fiscal Improvements:
Tinubu highlighted economic progress, stating, “Aggregate government revenues have more than doubled, hitting over N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023.”
Infrastructure Development:
The President mentioned ongoing major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
Oil and Gas Sector Revival:
Tinubu reported an increase in oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day and renewed investor interest in the sector.
Compressed Natural Gas Initiative:
The government launched a CNG initiative to power transportation and reduce costs, with plans to distribute a million conversion kits.
Youth Empowerment Programmes:
Tinubu outlined several initiatives for youths, including the student loan scheme, Digital and Creative Enterprises programme, and various skill development schemes.
Housing Projects:
The President announced plans to complete 100,000 housing units over the next three years as part of the Renewed Hope City and Estate initiative.
Food Security Measures:
Tinubu revealed plans to boost food production, including the removal of tariffs on certain food items and the distribution of farming equipment.
The President concluded by urging unity and patience, stating, “Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation.”
