President Bola Tinubu yesterday urged protesters in the on-going #EndBadGovernace protests to stop the demonstrations and create room for dialogue.
The President, who stated this in a nationwide broadcast to the nation, said Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity.
Recall that protests broke out across the nation on August 1 to draw attention to growing hunger and sufferings in the land. The protests turned violent in some cities with hoodlums looting government property. Police and other security agencies also had a clash with the protesters who were fired at with live ammunitions and teargas.
There were also reports of killings during the protests. While Amnesty international put the number of deaths at 13, the police said it was seven.
Addressing the protest, Tinubu during his broadcast, said he was pained by the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our States.
He noted that among the protesters were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes, and personal aspirations would be fulfilled.
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 organisers 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 further stated that his government will not stand idly by and allow a few people with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.
He also justified the economic policies implemented by his administration so far, especially on fuel subsidy removal, saying, “The economy is recovering; Please, dont shut out its oxygen. Now that we have been enjoying democratic governance for 25 years, do not let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey. FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER!
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.
“In conclusion, security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.”, he stressed.
