Nigeria’s leader has called for an end to mass protests over economic hardship on Sunday, August 4, asserting that the rallies have turned violent and blaming “a few with a political agenda” for driving them.
The protests, which began Thursday, have been marked by reports of looting and vandalism, alongside accusations that security forces have used excessive force.
Amnesty International has reported the deaths of nine protesters in clashes with police, while a bomb killed another four. The Nigerian police have denied the Amnesty report.
“I have heard you loud and clear,” President Bola Tinubu said in his first public remarks on the demonstrations.
“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.”
President Bola Tinubu
However, Tinubu also warned that “a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart” would be resisted by security forces.
Lagos-based activist Opeyemi Folarin reacted to Tinubu’s address, calling the speech “underwhelming.”
“If he was willing for dialogue, he should have made a concession,” Folarin said, adding that protesters were determined to continue until the government acted on their demands. “It is non-negotiable.”
Tinubu Addresses Economic Hardship, Urges Dialogue
The protests reflect widespread frustration with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and accusations of misgovernment and corruption in Africa’s most populous country.
Nigeria, a top oil producer, faces a stark contrast between public officials’ huge earnings and the high levels of poverty and hunger among the populace.
Tinubu’s aides have claimed the protests are politically motivated. His election last year was disputed by the opposition after he won with 37% of the vote, the smallest margin of any Nigerian president ever.
The election also recorded the lowest turnout since 1999, when the country returned to democracy.
The protesters drew inspiration from young people in Kenya who held rallies last month to oppose a planned tax hike.
The military has also threatened to intervene to quell violence. Police in Nigeria said they had arrested nearly 700 people in the first two days of the protests, accusing them of “armed robbery, arson, mischief” and destroying property.
Amnesty International has urged police to release demonstrators and refrain from firing live rounds to break up crowds.
In his address, the Nigerian leader said that his government “will not stand idly” and allow the looting reported in the past days to continue.
“Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organizers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu defended the audacious reforms that were supposed to save the government money and attract dwindling foreign investment, but whose immediate impact has exacerbated hardships.
The reforms, including the suspension of decades-old gas subsidies and currency devaluation, have led to a sharp increase in prices, affecting almost everything, analysts say.
“The economy is recovering; please, don’t shut out its oxygen,” Tinubu pleaded.
In a region that has witnessed rampant military coups fueled by popular discontent with democratically elected governments, the Nigerian leader warned that the protests could also threaten the country’s democracy.
“Forward ever, backward never!” he declared.
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