The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi has described Sunday’s address to the nation by President Bola Tinubu as out of touch with current realities.
In a post on his X account on Monday, in reaction to Tinubu’s broadcast occasioned by nationwide hardship protests, Obi said the president’s address suggested “either a lack of awareness among the President’s advisers or a deliberate neglect of pressing issues”.
Obi urged the president to distance himself from sycophants and engage with individuals who could give him honest feedback.
Obi had previously advocated that Tinubu speak publicly, and while expressing gratitude for the belated address, noted that it might have prevented additional loss of life, including that of security personnel.
The LP leader, however, criticised the president for not showing sufficient empathy towards those affected by the excessive actions of some security operatives during the protests.
Obi emphasised the government’s role in protecting peaceful protesters while addressing criminal elements disrupting the demonstrations.
He welcomed the president’s condemnation of ethnic bigotry but called for more decisive actions, including the immediate arrest and prosecution of those promoting intolerance.
While noting that Tinubu’s speech focused on historical issues, Obi stressed the need for urgent attention to present and future challenges, such as reducing the high cost of governance, tackling corruption, and addressing the high cost of living. He called for targeted efforts in key areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation.
Obi also advocated a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity, economic difficulties, and other critical issues, urging the president to provide regular briefings on tangible measures being implemented to address the nation’s problems.
He called for a shift from merely highlighting current issues to taking meaningful action.
Obi stressed that while immediate solutions might not be possible, a consistent effort was essential to effectively manage public resources, combat corruption, and enhance critical sectors to foster national growth and restore hope for Nigeria’s future.
