President Tinubu Urges Dialogue and Unity Amid Nationwide Protests

In a nationwide address on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu called for an end to the protests that have gripped Nigeria since Thursday, urging dialogue and unity to address the concerns raised by the demonstrators. The President assured the nation that his administration is committed to listening to the voices of the protesters, stating that he had heard their calls “loud and clear.”

President Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during clashes with security forces and to those who suffered property loss due to looting. He emphasized the importance of suspending further protests to allow for dialogue and reaffirmed his readiness to engage in discussions at any opportunity.

“I hereby enjoin protesters and the organizers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity,” he said.

He stressed the need for all citizens, regardless of age, party, tribe, or religion, to work together in reshaping Nigeria’s future. Amid the unrest, some groups on social media called for Igbos to leave Lagos State, threatening protests from August 20-30, 2024. They also urged South-West indigenes in the South-East to return home.

In response, President Tinubu warned against such divisive actions, stating, “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.”

The President addressed the nation with a sense of responsibility, acknowledging the turmoil and violence in several states. He expressed particular sorrow over the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other regions, as well as the destruction of public facilities and looting of businesses, which contradicted the organizers’ promise of peaceful protests.

“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 organizers 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.”

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.”