Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Sunday urged an end to mass protests over economic hardship, citing increasing violence and attributing the unrest to a politically driven agenda. Despite his call for calm, protests persisted into a fourth day, particularly in the economic hub of Lagos.
Since the protests erupted on Thursday, there have been numerous reports of looting, vandalism, and allegations of excessive force used by security forces. Amnesty International reported the deaths of nine protesters in clashes with police and another four fatalities due to a bomb explosion. The Nigerian police, however, have refuted Amnesty’s findings.
“I have heard you loud and clear,” Tinubu stated in his first public address regarding the demonstrations. “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.”
These protests highlight widespread frustration over the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, alongside accusations of misgovernment and corruption in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a major oil producer. The stark contrast between the substantial earnings of public officials and the prevalent poverty and hunger has fueled public discontent.
Tinubu’s aides claim that the protests are politically motivated, pointing out that his election last year was contested by the opposition. Tinubu won with 37% of the vote, the smallest margin for a Nigerian president, and the election saw the lowest voter turnout since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
The protests have also been inspired by young activists in Kenya, who recently rallied against a proposed tax hike. Despite Tinubu’s plea for dialogue and cessation of protests, the military has threatened to step in to curb the violence.
Defending his government’s reforms, Tinubu emphasized that these measures were designed to save government funds and attract foreign investment, despite their immediate adverse effects. The suspension of longstanding gas subsidies and currency devaluation, poorly executed according to analysts, has exacerbated the cost of living.
“The economy is recovering; please, don’t shut out its oxygen,” Tinubu appealed.
In a region plagued by military coups stemming from widespread dissatisfaction with elected governments, Tinubu warned that ongoing protests could jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“Forward ever, backward never!” he declared, underscoring his commitment to progress and urging an end to the unrest.
