President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to protesters and organisers of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria to suspend any further demonstrations and create room for dialogue.
President Tinubu made the appeal on Sunday in a nationwide broadcast aimed at addressing the nationwide protests, restating his commitment to democratic good governance that is open, transparent, and accountable to all Nigerians.
Speaking on his economic policies which include the removal of fuel subsidies and, the abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems, the President stated that “these actions were essential decisions to reverse the decades of economic mismanagement.”
“These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well. Yes, I agree, the buck stops on my table. But I can assure you that I am focused fully on delivering the governance to the people – good governance for that matter,” the President said.
Acknowledging the pains and frustrations behind the protests, President Tinubu assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to listening and addressing the concerns of the citizens.
He cautioned against further bloodshed, violence, and destruction saying “they must stop.” The President called on citizens irrespective of party, tribe, religion, or other divides to work together in reshaping the destiny of the nation.
He urged Nigerians not to allow violence and destruction to tear the nation apart while reiterating that the task of rebuilding Nigeria is a collective responsibility.
President Tinubu tasked the security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order thereby adhering to necessary conventions on human rights, stressing as paramount, the safety and security of all Nigerians.
Cautioning against the “enemies of democracy” using innocent citizens to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set the democratic journey of Nigeria backward, President Tinubu underscored the importance of choosing hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation, adding that the Nigerian economy is recovering.
President Tinubu said; “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion, or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation.
“To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of the 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.
“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.
“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.”
The President further highlighted his administration’s commitment to improving the economy and expanding the national infrastructure as well create more opportunities for young Nigerians.
He affirmed that the administration cares as it is working hard for every citizen and that the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation. The economy is recovering; Please, don’t shut out its oxygen. Now that we have been enjoying democratic governance for 25 years, do not let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey. FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER!” President Tinubu added.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
