Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo has called out the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over his prolonged silence on the nationwide protest staged against bad governance.
Glamsqaud reported that thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in various cities across the country on 1st August to stage protests to end #EndBadGovernance and hunger. The protest which has entered day 3 is expected to end on the 10th of August 2024.
Following this, celebrities such as Vector, Iyabo Ojo, and Falz amongst others have lent their voices.
Consequently, the president has been silent about the protest with different groups who have been allegedly bribed coming to his defence as they stage a protest tagged #NoProtest.
In a lengthy post on her Instagram page, Iyabo shared her concerns about the state of the nation, as she wonders why the president is so quiet, which she finds both troubling and disappointing.
The mother of two stressed that the country needs the president to speak to the people, listen to their problems, and give them hope. She questioned whether democracy still truly serves the people if they can’t voice their concerns and be heard.
Iyabo who is also an entrepreneur pointed out that if the president had addressed the nation, it might have prevented the protests from turning into chaos and vandalism. She also said that the reality people are facing does not match the government’s claims of progress.
Tonto Dikeh pens open letter to Nigerians advising against protest
She wrote
“As I reflect on our nation’s current state, I’m compelled to ask: Where is our president? @officialasiwajubat His silence is deafening and disheartening. We need him to address the nation, listen to our grievances, and offer hope. Isn’t democracy about the people and for the people? If we can’t express our concerns and be heard, what kind of nation are we building?
If we can’t express our concerns and be heard, what kind of nation are we building? I ask again, “What’s the essence of our country if our leaders ignore us?””
I expect you, sir, to address the nation by now. If you spoke to your people, it would help prevent the hijacking of protests, vandalism, and chaos.
The reality on the ground contradicts the government’s claims of progress. We’re witnessing:
Massive fuel price increases
- Skyrocketing food costs
- Electricity scarcity and high tariffs
- Exorbitant transportation and rent costs
- Soaring school fees
- Diesel and petrol prices through the roof
-Neglected education - Alarming illiteracy levels
In just one year, Nigerians have faced a staggering 300% increase in the cost of everything. It’s imperative for the government to:
- Be transparent
Communicate effectively - Explain their actions to tackle these challenges
- Provide solutions to alleviate our suffering
I recall a warning I gave on the 19th of Jan, 2023, that ‘If Nigeria doesn’t get it right, the country will bleed, and we’re already bleeding.’ Mr. President, please address the nation and show you care about Nigerians’ struggles. Give us hope. Throwing teargas and restricting protesters won’t solve our problems; your silence screams, ‘I don’t care.’ Sir, you have to care.”
Read Also: Nationwide Protest: ‘Stealing, destroying properties not right’ – Toke Makinwa