Abuja, Aug. 4, 2024 – President Bola Tinubu on Sunday appealed to protesters across the country to shield their swords and embrace dialogue.
He made the appeal in a nationwide broadcast, saying that his administration was ready to listen and address the concerns of protesters.
Tinubu said the country required all hands on deck and needed all citizens, regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping its common destiny.
Tinubu said: “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,” 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.
“Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected.
“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.
“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.
“I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction.
“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.”
“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.
“Let nobody misinform and miseducate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you.
“We are working hard for you, and the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.
“These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well.”
“I can assure you that I am focused fully on delivering the governance to the people – good governance for that matter.”
Tinubu called for patience as the economy is recovering.
He said the aggregate government revenues had more than doubled, hitting over N9.1tn in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, due to efforts to block leakages, introduce automation, and mobilise funding creatively without additional burden on the people.
Tinubu said productivity was gradually increasing in the non-oil sector, reaching new levels and taking advantage of the opportunities in the current economic ambience. (GBN)
