Nigerian President has expressed pain by the loss of lives during the ongoing nationwide protests while enjoined the protesters and organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which he said he has always acceded to at the slightest opportunity.
Tinubu who made this known in his nation broadcast on Sunday, warned those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of the nation, saying there is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in Nigeria as the law will catch up with them.
Media Bypass News had earlier reported that the planned protests, projected against high cost of living, security among other issues, recorded violence in Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Kano, Borno and Gombe, among others.
The President who grieved over the nation’s situation said 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.
He said, “I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, 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.
The President commiserated with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests and called on Nigerians to stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction.
Tinubu stated that Nigeria requires all hands to be on deck, needs each other 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 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”, the President speaks tough.
He made it known that Nigeria democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected. “Our law enforcement agencies will continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner.”
He said, “For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip because of many misalignments that have stunted our growth.
“Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue the use of temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations.
“I therefore took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies, abolish multiple foreign exchange systems which had constituted a noose around economic jugular of our Nation and impeded our economic development and progress”.
The President pressed further that these actions blocked the greed and the profits that smugglers and rent-seekers made. “They also blocked the undue subsidies we had extended to our neighbouring countries to the detriment of our people, rendering our economy prostrate.
“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”.
Tinubu boldly said, “In the past 14 months, our government has made significant strides in rebuilding the foundation of our economy to carry us into a future of plenty and abundance.
“On the fiscal side, aggregate government revenues have more than doubled, hitting over 9.1 trillion Naira in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023 due to our efforts at blocking leakages.
“Introducing automation and mobilising funding creatively without additional burden on the people. Productivity is gradually increasing in the non-oil sector, reaching new levels and taking advantage of opportunities in the current economic ambience”, he said.
The President said, “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain, frustration that drive these protests, and I assure you that our govt 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.”
He added, “The task before us is a collective one, and I am leading the charge as your President. A lot of work has gone into stabilising our economy and I must stay focused on ensuring that the benefits reach every single Nigerian as promised”.
The President said his administration is working very hard to improve and expand the national infrastructure and create more opportunities for the young people. “Let nobody misinform and miseducate 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”.
Tinubu asked the security operatives to continue to maintain peace, law, order in the country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. “The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount”, he said.