In a Sunday broadcast, the President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to good governance despite the socio-economic challenges facing the country. Tinubu expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and property during the nationwide protests, noting that the destruction of public and private assets sets the nation back “as scarce resources will be again used to restore them.”
He extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the protests, stating, “We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction.”
Tinubu emphasized that his administration will not permit politically motivated individuals to destabilize the country under the pretense of protests. “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,” he said. “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 assured Nigerians that the government will address their concerns. “Fellow Nigerians, 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,” he stated. He added, “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.”
Since the protests began on Thursday, opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Tinubu’s rivals from the last election, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have urged him to address the defiant youths protesting against the deteriorating economy and associated hardships.
The cost of food and basic commodities has soared in recent months due to one of Nigeria’s worst inflation rates and economic crises, exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which were initially planned for 10 days, entered their third day on Saturday as determined youths continued to push for Tinubu to address their demands. These demands include restoring petrol subsidies and the forex regime, tackling food shortages, unemployment, and wasteful government spending. They also call for a reduction in the President’s cabinet and overall governance costs, immediate reforms of the electoral commission (INEC) and anti-graft agency (EFCC), and renewed efforts in combating corruption.
The protests escalated in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and other states, where some protesters resorted to burning vehicles and looting warehouses. The police reported seven deaths during these incidents but denied that security forces were responsible for any fatalities.
On Day 3, police were seen dispersing protesters with tear gas, a move condemned by civil society organizations.