In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday August 4th, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the ongoing protests that have rocked various parts of Nigeria, urging the youth and all protestors to cease their demonstrations and embrace dialogue.
The President’s speech was marked by a mix of empathy for the concerns of the youth and a firm stance on maintaining law and order.
Speaking with a sense of gravity and responsibility, President Tinubu expressed his sorrow over the violent turn of the protests, which have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property in states such as Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna.
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President emphasized his commitment to public order
He extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and decried the looting and damage to public facilities and businesses, which he noted would require significant resources to rebuild.
“I am especially pained by the loss of lives and the destruction of public facilities,” Tinubu stated. “We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction.”
The President emphasized his commitment to public order, highlighting his constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of all citizens. He called on the protestors to suspend further demonstrations and create space for dialogue, stressing that Nigeria needs unity across all divides to reshape its destiny.
“Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue,” Tinubu urged. “Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together.”