Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has made a public plea for the suspension of protests against the country’s worsening cost of living crisis, urging for dialogue instead of continued civil unrest. In his first public comments since the demonstrations erupted, Tinubu addressed the nation in a televised broadcast on Sunday, emphasizing his openness to discussions with the citizens.
The protests began last week, driven by widespread frustration over economic hardship and governance issues. Amnesty International reported that at least 13 individuals were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests. However, Nigerian police disputed this figure, acknowledging seven fatalities by Saturday. Among these, four people died from an explosive device during a march in Borno state, two were hit by a car, and another was shot by a security guard while looting a shop.
In his address, Tinubu called for an immediate cessation of violence, stressing the importance of dialogue and expressing his understanding of the citizens’ grievances. “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, 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,” Tinubu stated.
The protests have largely been organized through online mobilization, with Nigerians demanding a reduction in petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among other issues. The demonstrators argue that the economic reforms implemented by Tinubu’s administration have exacerbated their hardships.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has enacted several economic reforms, including the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. He defended these measures as essential steps to rectify years of economic mismanagement. According to Tinubu, government revenues have more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion) in the first half of the year, with a significant reduction in the portion of revenue allocated to debt servicing—from 97% before he took office to 68%.
In his speech, Tinubu highlighted various initiatives undertaken by his administration to improve the nation’s infrastructure and support its citizens. These include increased spending on infrastructure projects, the introduction of a loan scheme for university students, and the construction of thousands of housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Despite these efforts, the President stressed the importance of maintaining peace and unity. “But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart,” Tinubu urged, calling on protesters to abandon violence and embrace dialogue as the means to address their concerns.
The call for protest suspension and dialogue marks a critical moment for Tinubu’s presidency, as he navigates the delicate balance between enforcing law and order and addressing the legitimate concerns of a populace grappling with economic hardship. The outcome of this appeal could significantly impact his administration’s stability and the country’s socio-economic trajectory.
In the meantime, international observers and human rights organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, urging both the government and the protesters to engage in constructive dialogue and avoid further escalation of violence. The path forward remains uncertain, but Tinubu’s appeal for peace and dialogue represents a hopeful step towards resolving the crisis.
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