By Abiola Olawale
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to address Nigerians who are protesting against the state of the economy of the country.
The opposition party, while raising concerns about the body language of the president, said his continued silence was worrisome and has worsened agitations.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday.
Ologunagba, in the statement, called on Tinubu to fully embrace his responsibilities and address the concerns of the protesters.
He urged the president to find ways to reduce prices of petroleum products, curb the naira’s free fall, and other biting economic issues.
The statement reads in part: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flays President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his failure to address the nation despite the crippling nationwide protest by Nigerians.
“The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stem the fall of the Naira and ensure the speedy provision of food among other critical issues to revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment and restore stability in the polity.
“Our Party expresses concerns that Presidtinubu’sbu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC)
“The APC government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation.
“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government.
“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.
“Our Party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, immediately address the nation and reassure the citizens on issues agitating their minds, particularly the reduction in the price of petroleum products and food items.
“Our Party insists that with deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage and refining capacity, petrol should not sell more than N200 per litre in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.
“President Tinubu should also urgently commence the process of recovering the over N50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut the cost of governance, review all luxury items in his government and channel funds recovered to programmes that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Furthermore, while calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges the security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty of providing security and protection to the citizens.
“ The PDP again calls on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the pursuit of responsive and people-oriented government which has eluded the nation since the coming of the APC in 2015.”
