The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has restated Nigeria’s opposition to external meddling in its affairs, harping on the value of friendly and cooperative international partnerships.
Tuggar spoke at a briefing of the members of the diplomatic corps on the programme and policies of the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday.
Persecondnews recalls that a nationwide protest, tagged #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, began on August 1 as citizens demanded relief from the prevailing hardship in the country, leading to the blockage of several major highways and further complicating the situation.
Persecondnews recalls that security officials’ actions, overzealous protesters, and counter-protesters all contributed to the violence that marred the protests, which spread across major cities including Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns.
Over the weekend, media reports and footage showed EndBadGovernance protesters waving Russian flags in some northern states.
President Bola Tinubu made a national broadcast on Sunday, urging organizers to suspend the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest due to escalating violence, loss of lives, and property destruction.
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed that it arrested at least 30 protesters waving Russian flags in Kano and other states, including a flag producer, Mr. Ahmed Bello.
The Minister sought sustained cooperation from the global community to bolster Nigeria’s endeavours in surmounting its present obstacles and realizing a brighter future for its citizens.
He said: “While the government continues to work hard through the various reform programs and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind us that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. Nigeria is not an exception.
“The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.
“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the federal government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country to achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad.”
In his remarks, Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of peaceful assembly and free speech while also pledging to probe the violent incidents and hold those responsible accountable.
He expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for their backing and confidently stated that the most intense period of unrest had passed, anticipating that the government’s policy initiatives would soon produce beneficial outcomes for the country.
Idris said: “I want to assure your excellencies that the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the violence that we have seen in the last one week to identify and bring to justice all those responsible.
“We are committed to preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future. I also want to thank you individually and collectively for your support and understanding during that difficult period.
“I want to assure you that the worst is over, and we can now, as a nation, march forward to enjoy the fruit of all the policy and program interventions being implemented. I thank you for your kind attention.”
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