President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the nationwide protests tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria have set Nigeria back as a nation, and has urged the organisers of the protests to suspend any further actions so as to make room for dialogue to build the country.
Speaking to Nigerians on Sunday in his first address to the nation since the onset of the nationwide protests against bad governance on Thursday, Tinubu acknowledged the turmoil and violent protests across several states, including Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna.
He 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 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 then urged protesters and organisers to suspend further actions and open channels for dialogue, asserting that Nigeria needs unity and cooperation across all divides as he 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. 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.”
He also issued a stern warning to those exploiting the situation for political gains, saying, “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.”
Expressing his condolences to the families of the victims of the protests, Tinubu stated, “I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction.”
He reiterated the importance of restoring public order and the constitutional duty of the government to protect lives and property as he said, “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.”
Highlighting the role of law enforcement, Tinubu assured that the government is committed to maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ lives and property. “Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner,” he stated.
Tinubu then called for unity and progress, emphasising that the task ahead requires collective effort. “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 urged.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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