President Bola Tinubu has urged an immediate halt to the widespread hunger protests and a peaceful resolution of the issues raised by Nigerians.
In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, the president expressed his administration’s willingness to engage with protesters and address their grievances, stating that their voices had been heard ‘loud and clear’.
Tinubu also expressed his condolences to the families of Nigerians who died in clashes with security forces, as well as those whose property suffered damage or looting.
He said: “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.”
Tinubu stressed that the country required a unified approach where all citizens, irrespective of their background, worked together towards a common goal of rebuilding and reshaping the nation’s destiny.
The protest, which began on Thursday, August 1, was called to draw the government’s attention to the rising cost of living and hunger, which degenerated into violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives in many parts of the country.
According to Persecondnews, at least 17 people died during the “days of rage” protests.
Tinubu said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“I commiserate with the families and relatives 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.”
To the protesters, he said: “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.
“Let nobody misinform and miseducate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you.”
He promised citizens that, despite past disappointments, the country had entered a new era of revitalized optimism, bringing renewed hope for a better future.
“We are working hard for you, and the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.”
Tinubu defended his decision to remove petrol subsidies, saying: “These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well.
“I can assure you that I am focused fully on delivering the governance to the people—good governance for that matter.”
President Tinubu called for patience, saying the economy was recovering.
He pointed out that total government revenues had surged, exceeding N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024, a significant increase from the same period in 2023.
The president attributed the achievement to successful efforts to plug revenue leakages, implement automation, and explore innovative funding sources without imposing additional burdens on citizens.
Furthermore, Tinubu noted that productivity in the non-oil sector was steadily rising, reaching unprecedented levels and capitalizing on the favourable conditions in the current economic environment.
Tinubu called for patience, saying, “The economy is recovering; please don’t shut out its oxygen.”
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