Archbishop Professor Princewill Ariwodor, the National Chairman of the Abia State Elders Consultative Forum, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step down if he cannot address Nigeria’s deteriorating economy.
Speaking with Vanguard following nationwide protests against hunger and poor governance, Ariwodor criticized Tinubu’s administration for exacerbating the country’s economic woes with its policies.
Recently elected as the World President of the International College and Council of Bishops and Apostles (ICCOBA) in Dublin, Ariwodor expressed disappointment that Tinubu accepted the leadership role despite lacking solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
He emphasized that Tinubu should not have sought the presidency without having concrete plans to improve the nation’s economic situation.
Ariwodor strongly advised the government against intimidating citizens who engage in peaceful protests, warning that such actions undermine democracy.
He painted a grim picture of the country’s economic state and urged immediate measures to revitalize it.
“We have never experienced such severe economic mismanagement in this country. Previous leaders, despite their flaws, performed better than the current government,” he stated.
Ariwodor argued that the economy was in a better condition under former President Buhari and has since deteriorated under Tinubu’s administration. He criticized Tinubu’s close associates for failing to convey the true extent of the public’s suffering, which they disguise or ignore.
Addressing the nationwide protests, Ariwodor insisted that Nigerians have the constitutional right to peacefully voice their grievances.
He condemned any use of force against nonviolent demonstrators, arguing that it is unjust to suppress people who are merely exercising their democratic rights. “Why would you use force against peaceful protesters?” he asked rhetorically, highlighting the injustice of punishing people for expressing their dissatisfaction.
He further warned against any plans to arrest Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, for his outspoken criticism of the Tinubu administration.
Ariwodor declared unwavering support for Obi and others who have criticized the government’s policies or supported peaceful protests. He vowed that the Abia elders would stand firmly behind Obi, even threatening to march to Abuja in protest if Obi were detained. “We will all march to Abuja and be prepared to face any consequences,” he asserted.
Ariwodor aligned himself with former President Obasanjo’s advice to Tinubu, which emphasized the importance of respecting peaceful protesters. He repudiated the suggestions of some Igbo leaders who, according to him, ignore the plight of Nigerians suffering due to poor governance. “How can you ask people to stay silent when basic necessities have become unaffordable?” he questioned, criticizing those who advise against protests for their apparent self-interest.
In conclusion, Ariwodor urged protesters to maintain nonviolence and to operate within the law while expressing their grievances.
