In the wake of widespread protests across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the grievances of the nation’s citizens, particularly the youth. Speaking in a national broadcast this morning, Tinubu assured Nigerians that their voices have been heard “loud and clear.”
“My dear Nigerians, especially our youths, 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 said.
He emphasized the need for unity and peaceful resolution, urging against violence and destruction. “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,” he added.
The President highlighted the collective responsibility of addressing Nigeria’s challenges. “And I am leading the charge as your President. A lot of work has gone into stabilizing our economy and I must stay focused on ensuring that the benefits reach every single Nigerian as promised,” he stated.
The protest, which began on Thursday, August 1, under the #EndBadGovernance movement, has seen diverse demands and lacks a clear leadership structure. A circulating list on social media outlines a 12-point demand including:
– Reverting petrol pump price to N100/litre
– Combating insecurity and hunger
– Closing all IDP camps and resettling the campers
– Implementing total electoral reform
– Conducting an independent probe into the electoral budget of N355 billion
– Releasing ENDSARS protesters still in detention
– Implementing a living wage (minimum wage of N300k)
– Providing compulsory free education from primary to secondary school
– Ensuring children of public officials attend public schools in the country
– Mandating the government to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods
– Transitioning to unicameral legislation
– Conducting judicial and constitutional review
Tinubu’s delayed response has faced criticism, particularly as some protests have resulted in casualties and destruction in various parts of the country. In his broadcast, he called for an immediate suspension of further protests to allow for dialogue.
“Loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other states, the destruction of public facilities, and the looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of peaceful protests, are deeply troubling,” Tinubu said. “I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died. We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction.”
“As President, I must ensure public order. Our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart. I enjoin protesters and organizers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue,” he urged.
Tinubu reiterated the need for collective effort in reshaping Nigeria’s destiny, warning against ethnic bigotry and threats to national unity. “Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together. The law will catch up with those who threaten any section of this country. There is no place for ethnic bigotry in the Nigeria we seek to build,” he concluded.
