President Bola Tinubu has appealed to protesters across the country and the organisers of the nationwide demonstration to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue.
The President made the appeal on Sunday while addressing Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on the ongoing #EndBadGivernance protests that commenced on Thursday, across the country.
The Nigerian leader who restated his commitment to good governance called for all hands to be on deck to work together to rebuild the nation.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states.
” Notably among the protesters were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes, and personal aspirations would be fulfilled.
“As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.
” 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,” he said.
Expressing pain over the loss of lives in parts of the country as a result of the protest, the President commiserated with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests, while cautioning against further bloodshed, violence and wanton destruction.
“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 organisers 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.
” I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction, ” he said.
He however warned that the law will catch up with those whom he noted have taken undue advantage of the situation to threaten parts of the country, maintaining that there was no room for such threats in the country.
“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. Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner, “he said.
He said the present administration was working assiduously to enhance the nation’s already damaged economy.
“My administration is working very hard to improve and expand our national infrastructure and create more opportunities for our young people.
“My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide – one that is open, transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people”, he affirmed.
He appealed to the youth to be patient with his administration for the impact and result of his positive reforms to be felt soon.
“Let nobody misinform and mis-educate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you. Although there have been many dashed hopes in the past, we are in a new era of Renewed Hope. We are working hard for you, and 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, “he said.
He, however, urged the nation’s security operatives to continue to maintain peace while respecting the human rights of the citizens.
“Security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount, “he asserted.
