By Zainab Bakare
Chairman of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Edo State Campus Monitoring Committee, Comr. Osahon Destiny has reacted to the presidential address on the nationwide protests.
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had addressed the Nigerians on August 4, 2024 as regards the ongoing nationwide protests.
President Tinubu mourned the lives that have been lost during the protests and enjoin the organizers of the protests to suspend the protests and create a room for dialogue. He did not fail to mention the multiple initiatives his administration had put in place and the achievements of his administration since he was inaugurated into office.
In response to the presidential address, Comr. Osahon, in a press release, highlighted critical areas where the address failed to give attention. Comr. Osahon appreciated the President’s effort to the growth of Nigerian youths with the birthing of initiatives like Students Loan Scheme, the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) programme and much more.
However, he expressed his dissatisfaction to unattended issues that directly affects students. Amongst the issues he highlighted includes the issues of the removal of fuel subsidy, the abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems and also the hike in the electricity tariff.
Comr. Osahon also indicated the ongoing disputes between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, citing the past strikes that have affected the academic calendar of Universities in Nigeria and hopes the Federal Government resolves these issues to avoid the incidence of another ASUU strike.
In his press update, the chairman encourages peaceful dialogue among the protesters and the Federal Government. Recall, President Tinubu, in his address, reiterates the need for dialogue to the participants of the ongoing nationwide protests.
“It is essential to emphasize the need for peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement to address the root causes of these protests. While the call to suspend protests for dialogue is noted, it is imperative that such dialogue results in tangible solutions that address the concerns of the Nigerian people, including the students community,” he said.
He also commended the University Students of Edo State for their peaceful demonstrations and encourages them to continue to communicate their demands peacefully.
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