Nollywood actress and humanitarian Iyabo Ojo has called out the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over his silence following the ongoing protest in Nigeria.
In a lengthy post on her Instagram page, she stated that while she reflects on the nation’s current state, she is compelled to question where the president is as his silence is deafening and disheartening.
Iyabo stated that the country needs the president to address the nation, listen to their grievances and offer hope. She questioned if democracy isn’t about the people and for the people anymore if they can’t express their concerns and be heard.
She noted how if the president had addressed them, it would have prevented the hijacking of protests, vandalism and chaos. She added that the reality on the ground contradicts the government’s claims of progress they’re witnessing.
In her words,
“As I reflect on our nation’s current state, I’m compelled to ask: Where is our president? @officialasiwajubat His silence is deafening and disheartening. We need him to address the nation, listen to our grievances, and offer hope. Isn’t democracy about the people and for the people? If we can’t express our concerns and be heard, what kind of nation are we building?
If we can’t express our concerns and be heard, what kind of nation are we building? I ask again, “What’s the essence of our country if our leaders ignore us?””
I expect you, sir, to address the nation by now. If you spoke to your people, it would help prevent the hijacking of protests, vandalism, and chaos.
The reality on the ground contradicts the government’s claims of progress. We’re witnessing:
Massive fuel price increases
Skyrocketing food costs
Electricity scarcity and high tariffs
Exorbitant transportation and rent costs
Soaring school fees
Diesel and petrol prices through the roof
-Neglected education
Alarming illiteracy levels
In just one year, Nigerians have faced a staggering 300% increase in the cost of everything. It’s imperative for the government to:
Be transparent
Communicate effectively
Explain their actions to tackle these challenges
Provide solutions to alleviate our suffering
I recall a warning I gave on the 19th of Jan, 2023, that ‘If Nigeria doesn’t get it right, the country will bleed, and we’re already bleeding.’ Mr. President, please address the nation and show you care about Nigerians’ struggles. Give us hope. Throwing teargas and restricting protesters won’t solve our problems; your silence screams, ‘I don’t care.’ Sir, you have to care.”
The call-out was, however, met with mixed reactions as while some supported her, others criticised her.
Official Medusa wrote, “Why didn’t you go and protest?”
Popular Lowz wrote, “He should address you for what really? Una go protest tire”.
Sonnymma wrote, “They chose tr!be over competence. I am Yoruba, but never supported him; I saw all these coming”.
Ashake Ade28 wrote, “Hmmm, at this point, the president should have addressed the nation and reinstalled hope”.
Joyce Jay wrote, “Their president don get a stroke for mouth, he no fit talk”.
Miss Pweety Berry wrote, “It’s even the way the wife is quiet about this. Omo, this is so sad”.
Chigoziri Diamond Duchess wrote, “Even his executive members don’t know where he is. Tinubu and good name are two opposite directions that can never meet”.
Kvng Phyzah wrote, “Yea, your voice was loud enough! Well done, woman King”.
By Ezinne Okorie.
