Tinubu’s Address to #EndBadGovernance Protesters Sparks Mixed Reactions

President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address on Sunday, August 4, 2024, received mixed reactions from Nigerians. The address, which focused on the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests and the government’s response to current challenges, sparked varied opinions on social media.

On X, Olagunju Oladele (#TechInitiative) noted that the President’s speech seemed more focused on highlighting his administration’s achievements rather than directly addressing the protesters’ concerns. He commented, “President Tinubu’s speech was more about showcasing progress and building trust, but it still fails to understand his people.”

Aliyu Tanimu, using the handle #IamAliyu_Tee, criticized the speech for acknowledging protests but failing to empathize with the public’s grievances. He pointed out that while Tinubu condemned violence, he ignored the underlying causes of the unrest, focusing instead on economic reforms and achievements, which felt out of touch amid widespread suffering.

Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, described the address as “Beautiful Nonsense” in a post on X. Sowore had posted the speech hours before the official broadcast, prompting reactions from Nigerians questioning the “leak” and calling for accountability from Tinubu’s media team. In his tweet, Sowore dismissed the speech as a continuation of the 2023 election campaign and called for continued protests.

Another X user, #Mr_Teekay001, felt that the address contained a subtle threat, expressing frustration over abstract achievements without concrete plans or timelines. #xtianareal criticized the speechwriters for being out of touch with reality, suggesting the address might inspire more people to join the protests.

Conversely, Omogbolahan (#GbolahanAkinwum) defended the President’s measures, arguing that despite their difficulty, they were necessary to prevent future problems. #Imran_Khan0855 expressed skepticism, stating that Tinubu contradicted himself by not reversing the fuel subsidy removal while calling for dialogue.

GOOD MAN (#Ezinwa_Maduka) harshly criticized the President, accusing him of grandstanding and failing to take responsibility for recent deaths attributed to his government’s actions. On Facebook, Ayekooto Akindele sarcastically commented on the end of fuel subsidies, while Oluwafisayomi Oyeyemi (#Realzaddylion) criticized supporters of the ruling party, suggesting they should feel ashamed.

In contrast, #Olai_Yus praised Tinubu’s prospects for improving living standards, showing that the address did have some supporters.