As protests continue across the nation under the banner #EndBadGovernance, Methodist Bishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize the importance of communication and promptly address the concerns of the protesters and the Nigerian populace.
In a statement made on Friday, Bishop Onuoha expressed that the President needs to urgently connect with the nation, offering hope and outlining plans to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens, including rising prices and unemployment.
Emphasizing the critical role of communication in these turbulent times, Bishop Onuoha questioned whether the President’s advisors are effectively conveying reassuring messages to the frustrated and impoverished citizens currently taking to the streets.
The 2013 Peace Award recipient stated, “The President must address the nation without delay. Communication holds immense power. I doubt that his team is delivering a strong enough message to the citizens who are understandably angry and hungry. It is vital for him to engage directly with the masses, especially the youth who are protesting.”
He added, “The entire country is waiting for Mr. President to unveil strategies to combat the widespread hunger and to do so swiftly. Silence is no longer an option. He must confront the harsh economic realities rather than remain silent.”
Bishop Onuoha urged President Tinubu to assert his authority and not become overly reliant on his advisors, reminding him of his role as Commander-in-Chief. He stressed the importance of hearing directly from the suffering population rather than relying solely on potentially skewed reports from his team.
“The President must not allow himself to be controlled by his advisors. Beyond their guidance, he must find a way to listen to the voices of the struggling citizens and communicate their concerns. This is crucial, as continuing to depend solely on these reports could betray the promises made to the Nigerian people and further incite the protests.”
He concluded by urging the President to take immediate action to address the grievances of the hungry youth, warning that failure to do so could lead Nigeria toward chaos.
