President Bola Tinubu has called for an end to the protests against Nigeria’s economic hardships, acknowledging the widespread frustration but urging for a suspension of demonstrations and violence.
Advertisement
In his televised address on Sunday, August 4 2024, Tinubu assured that the government is committed to addressing the concerns of protesters and emphasized the need for peace.
He stated, “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, 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.”
The protests, which began on August 1, have been fueled by discontent over economic reforms, including the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
Advertisement
Tinubu defended these measures as necessary to address years of economic mismanagement. However, rights group Amnesty International reported that security forces have killed at least 13 protesters, while police claimed seven deaths and denied responsibility.
Lagos-based activist Opeyemi Folarin criticized Tinubu’s address as “underwhelming,” arguing that it did not address the core demands of the protesters, such as the reinstatement of fuel subsidies.
Protests have continued with demands for reductions in petrol prices and electricity tariffs. Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris highlighted that Tinubu’s speech did not tackle the fundamental issues raised by the protesters.
Meanwhile, police have arrested nearly 700 people in the early days of the protests, accusing them of offenses including armed robbery and arson.
Leave a Reply