President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians on Sunday regarding the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship and poor governance.
Since August 1, Nigerians, particularly the youth, have taken to the streets to demand solutions to the lingering food crisis and other economic challenges. President Tinubu, in his speech, expressed sadness over the development and called for an immediate suspension of the demonstrations.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the aspirations of the young Nigerians participating in the protests. “Notably among the protesters were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes, and personal aspirations would be fulfilled,” he stated.
Addressing the violence and destruction during the protests, the President said, “I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other states, the destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of protest organizers that the protest would be peaceful across the country. The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will be again used to restore them.”
Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the protests. “I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction,” he urged.
The President emphasized the need to maintain public order and prevent the nation from being torn apart. “As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart,” he said.
He called for a suspension of the protests to create room for dialogue. “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organizers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion, or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation,” Tinubu added.
Addressing those who threaten any section of the country, the President warned, “To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.”
Tinubu reiterated his commitment to democratic governance and the protection of constitutional rights. “Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected. Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner,” he said.
The President highlighted the economic measures his administration has taken to stabilize the economy and improve the lives of Nigerians. “In the past 14 months, our government has made significant strides in rebuilding the foundation of our economy to carry us into a future of plenty and abundance,” he noted.
Tinubu concluded by urging cooperation to build a brighter future. “Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation,” he said.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, have seen widespread participation across the country, with demonstrators listing a 12-point demand that includes reducing the petrol pump price, combating insecurity and hunger, closing IDP camps, and implementing total electoral reform.
