PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to suspend the ongoing nationwide protest and engage in dialogue.
In his nationwide address, on Sunday, August 4, the President expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and destruction of property in states such as Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna.
“The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will be again used to restore them,” Tinubu said, vowing that the government would not stand idly by while a few individuals with political agendas seek to divide the nation.
“I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction.
“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,” the President added.
Tinubu further assured that those who had taken advantage of the protest would face the wrath of the law, adding that the security operatives should continue to protect lives and property.
“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. 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.
“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.
He therefore outlined various initiatives to support economic growth, including the compressed natural gas initiative, student loan schemes, and large-scale housing projects.
Tinubu’s address came four days after many Nigerians had gone to the streets to protest against bad governance and hunger in some states.
The ICIR reported that insecurity, inflation and a hike in the cost of living among others pushed many Nigerians to stage the protest.
Tinubu had stopped fuel subsidy and devalued the local currency – the naira – thus causing a spiral hike in food and commodity prices.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M