By Raji Rasak
SOME residents of Badagry, Lagos State on Sunday expressed mixed reactions over President Bola Tinubu’s address to the nation on the ongoing nationwide protests.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president, in his broadcast on Sunday, reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerians.
He enjoined the protesters and the organisers to suspend further action and create room for dialogue.
The protests, which started on Thursday, crippled socio-economic activities across the state, as motor parks, shops, malls, markets and roads were deserted.
Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Osho, an entrepreneur in Lagos said that Tinubu had tried to touch the lives of all Nigerians with his economic and developmental policies.
According to him, what the president inherited was a near collapsed economy.
“We have been borrowing to survive, but right now, we are facing the reality of the state of the nation’s economy.
“The situation has begun to change for better, we have been applying temporary solutions to our permanent problems but now we have started applying permanent solutions.
“That is why we are finding it a little hard to bear. I am sure we will soon start to reap the fruit of the sacrifice that we are all making,” he said.
Prince Babatunde Ajose, the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) WestGate Resources Development Centre in Badagry, said that the presidential address had restored hope and reassurance to all well-meaning Nigerians.
“The president touched on the sensitive issues bothering the minds of Nigerians.
“However, I am disappointed in the National Orientation Agency for not properly communicating the efforts of this government, achievements so far and prospects of their reforms.
“If people were well informed about what the president reeled out today, it would have sustained their hopes and there would not be reason for protests.
“Our elites who also understand the issues are not helping matters, they are twisting the facts,” he said.
Mr Abdul-Lateef Rasheed, the Chairman of the Badagry branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), commended the president’s programmes as enumerated in his speech.
Rasheed, however, said that majority of Nigerians did not feel the impact of the speech.
“Whatever programme embarked upon by government that does not put food on the tables of Nigerians; they will see it as deceitful. The issue of scarcity of food should be addressed immediately.
“Inadequate electricity supply, insecurity, good roads, well organised transport system, liberal tax systems, promotion of small businesses, harassment of transporters of food stuff by security agents across the country should be addressed quickly,” he said.
Mr Abiodun Hundeyin, Deputy Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service said that the president’s address was insightful and well-delivered.
NAN reports that the nationwide protests, which started on Thursday, crippled socio-economic activities across the country as motor parks, shops, malls, markets and roads were deserted.
The first day of the protest recorded violence and looting in states like Niger, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Abuja.
Organisers said that the protests, which they plan to hold till Aug. 10, is aimed at drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the hardship faced Nigerians. (NAN)
