In response to the ongoing hunger protests sweeping across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation in a special broadcast this Sunday. Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, confirmed the announcement in a statement released on Saturday.
The broadcast is scheduled for 7:00 am on Sunday, August 4, 2024, and will be aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). For those unable to tune in at the scheduled time, the address will be repeated at 3:00 pm and again at 7:00 pm on the same day. Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are advised to connect with NTA and FRCN’s network services for the broadcast.
This address comes amid escalating unrest as the #EndBadGovernance protests continue into their third day. The protests, which began over rising hunger and dissatisfaction with government policies, have seen significant violence. Reports indicate that at least fourteen people have lost their lives in the demonstrations, with many more injured. The unrest has led to mounting pressure on President Tinubu to address the public directly and provide reassurance or solutions.
Opposition leaders and various civil groups have called for the President to address the nation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for transparent communication from the government. The protests reflect deep-seated frustration over current economic conditions and governance issues, highlighting a critical moment for the administration to respond.
As the nation waits for President Tinubu’s address, the situation remains tense, and many are hoping for clarity and action from the government to address the ongoing crisis and restore calm.