Ex Minister Criticises Tinubu’s Broadcast Amid Ongoing Hunger Protests—-Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s national broadcast addressing the ongoing nationwide hunger protests.

Dalung, who led anti-government protests in Jos, Plateau State, last Thursday, continued his activism by participating in an open-air Sunday church service held by the protesters.

Speaking at the service, which took place at the Old Airport Roundabout with a large crowd of protesters including both Christian and Muslim leaders, Dalung dismissed Tinubu’s speech as ineffective and threatening.

He stated, “The President did not say anything in his speech. He did not appeal to the protesters to stop the protest. He only threatened them and told the security agencies to continue with the clampdown, shooting and killing. He did not even address Nigerians. He was just talking to himself and members of his cabinet. All these things he said only go to strengthen our resolve to continue with this protest.”

The protesters, brandishing the Nigerian flag, blocked the Old Airport Roundabout, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. The church service, which was incorporated into the protest, was seen as a significant act of faith by the demonstrators who believe in divine intervention for the nation’s plight.

Philip Madaki, one of the protesters, shared his perspective, saying, “I have been participating in the protest since it began on Thursday and today being Sunday, we are continuing with the protest with a church service. As the protest is ongoing, we believe that God Almighty has not abandoned the country and its citizens and we know He has the power to turn the hearts of kings in whichever direction he wants.

And we want Him to visit our leaders in the country, especially those in governance positions and touch their hearts so that they will know that the citizens are really suffering because of bad governance and their harsh economic policies in the country and be able to do something to change the situation. That’s why we are adding the church service to the ongoing protests.”

The protestors’ ongoing demonstrations and the incorporation of religious services highlight their determination and belief in seeking both divine and governmental intervention to address the current economic hardships in Nigeria.