By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the End Bad Governance protests and embrace dialogue, saying his administration was implementing the needed policies.
He made this known during a 7 am broadcast on Sunday, where he acknowledged the loss of lives and properties in some states during the nationwide protests.
He said his administration was focused on good governance despite the socio-economic challenges confronting Africa’s most populous nation.
“Fellow Nigerians, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity,” he disclosed.
“We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction,” he said and commiserated with the families and relations of those who died in the protests.
The President said his administration won’t allow a few politically minded people to tear down the country under the guise of protests.
“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.
“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,” he said.
“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,” parts of the televised broadcast said.
On August 1, Nigerians took to the streets to protest the surging prices of food and basic commodities which have gone through the roof in the last months.
Battling a 34.19 per cent inflation rate spurred by President Tinubu’s dual policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows, it has become increasingly difficult for Nigerians to survive.
The #EndBadGovernance protests against economic hardship is planned for 10 days.
Business Post understands that while the protests have been largely peaceful in Lagos and some southwestern states, it has largely been violent in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As of the third day (Saturday, August 3), several persons have been reported killed with scores of people arrested, according to rights groups.
Modupe Gbadeyanka