Archbishop calls on Tinubu to step down if he can’t fix Nigeria’s economic problems
Archbishop Prof. Princewill Ariwodor, National Chairman of the Abia State Elders Consultative Forum, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step down if he can’t solve Nigeria’s economic problems.
Recently elected as the global President of the International College and Council of Bishops and Apostles (ICCOBA) in Dublin, Ariwodor spoke with Vanguard following nationwide protests against hunger and poor governance.
He believes the President shouldn’t have taken on the role if he didn’t have solutions for the country’s issues, especially the economic hardships caused by his policies.
“Tinubu should resign if he is unable to fix the economy. The Nigerian economy was in better shape before he took over. Buhari handed over a better economy, which has now deteriorated under Tinubu.
“But his supporters don’t tell him the truth. Nigerians are suffering, and there’s no pretense about it.”
Archbishop Ariwodor also warned against using force to stop peaceful protests, calling such actions an attack on democracy.
“Nigerians are hungry and have the right to protest peacefully. Why use force against people who are only expressing their grievances?
“You can’t beat the nation and then ask the people not to complain. The government should listen to public opinions. Peaceful pressure groups help keep governments accountable.”
He expressed support for Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and cautioned against arresting him for criticizing the current administration.
“Abia elders stand firmly with Obi. If anyone tries to arrest him for speaking the truth, we will all march to Abuja and defend him. Anyone who harms him for speaking out should be prepared to face all of us.
“I agree with former President Obasanjo’s advice to Tinubu: peaceful protesters should not be harmed. This is democracy, and I fully support Obasanjo’s statement.”
Ariwodor criticized those who are advising against the protests, accusing them of misleading the President for personal gain.
“We disagree with Igbo leaders who are in positions of authority but fail to see the suffering caused by poor governance. Why tell people to stay silent when basic necessities are so expensive?”
He advised protesters to remain peaceful and express their grievances legally.
