A social media influencer from Abia state, Janny Ujunwa, has strongly reacted to the recent statement by the Nigerian House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu. In an open letter seen by 9News Nigeria, Ujunwa expressed her disappointment and disagreement with Kalu’s appeal for Nigerians to give President Tinubu’s administration more time to address the country’s economic challenges.
Ujunwa acknowledged that Kalu highlighted various policies and initiatives implemented by the administration, such as increased gas production, resuscitation of gas processing plants, and healthcare investments. However, she argued that these efforts have yet to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. She stated that the reality on the ground is far from the rosy picture painted by Kalu.
Ujunwa pointed out that as of July 30, 2024, a liter of fuel costs 1,000 Naira in Umuahia, Abia state, a price that is unsustainable for many citizens. Fuel scarcity has led to increased transportation costs, higher food prices, and a general decline in the standard of living. She described the economy as being in shambles, with Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
Furthermore, Ujunwa criticized the administration’s stance on peaceful protests, stating that it is hypocritical for the APC government to discourage such demonstrations when President Tinubu himself led a peaceful protest in 2014. She emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution, and Nigerians will not be intimidated or silenced.
Ujunwa argued that Nigerians have been patient for far too long, and have given successive administrations the benefit of the doubt, only to be disappointed time and again. She asserted that the current administration promised change, but the only change Nigerians have seen is a decline in their standard of living.
Ujunwa made it clear that no amount of press releases, promises of future improvements, or lofty policies will quell the growing discontent among Nigerians. She demanded that the administration take immediate and concrete actions to address the economic crisis, fuel scarcity, and other pressing issues, rather than making empty promises. Ujunwa warned that Nigerians will take to the streets to demand a better life and exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The full open letter reads:
Dear Deputy Speaker @Hon Benjamin Kalu – Abia State House of Reps Bende Federal Constituency,
I am writing for the second time to express my disappointment and disagreement with your yesterday’s statement urging Nigerians to give President Tinubu’s administration more time to address the country’s economic challenges. While I once again understand your appeal for patience, I strongly believe that the current situation demands more urgent action from the government.
You highlighted various policies and initiatives implemented by the administration, such as increased gas production, resuscitation of gas processing plants, and healthcare investments. However, these efforts have yet to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians like myself and others. The reality on the ground is far from the rosy picture you painted.
As of July 30, 2024, a liter of fuel costs 1,000 Naira in Umuahia, Abia state, a price that is unsustainable for many citizens. The fuel scarcity has led to increased transportation costs, higher food prices, and a general decline in the standard of living. The economy is in shambles, and Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet.
It is hypocritical for the administration of APC to discourage peaceful protests when President Tinubu himself led a peaceful protest in 2014. The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in our constitution, and Nigerians will not be intimidated or silenced.
Your appeal for more time ignores the fact that Nigerians have been patient for far too long. We have given successive administrations the benefit of the doubt, only to be disappointed time and again. The current administration promised change, but the only change we have seen is a decline in our standard of living.
No amount of press releases, promises of future improvements, or lofty policies will quell the growing discontent among Nigerians. The administration must take concrete actions to address the economic crisis, fuel scarcity, and other pressing issues. We demand immediate action, not more empty promises.
Therefore, I must inform you sir that Nigerians will take to the streets to demand a better life. We will exercise our constitutional right to peaceful protest and demand that the government takes responsibility for its failures.
Thank you…
Janny Ujunwa Lily…
