Tinubu calls for end to ‘bloodshed, violence’ as protests enter day 4

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has called for an end to “bloodshed, violence and destruction” as protests against the rising cost of living enter the fourth day.

Thousands of Nigerians, many of them young people, began marching on the streets of major cities, including Lagos and Abuja, on August 1 to pressure the government to reverse “bad” economic policies.

Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy and liberalised foreign exchange after being sworn-in in May last year. The policies have heaped more pressure on costs of living with headline and food inflations reaching record highs.

“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,” Tinubu said in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday Morning.

Tinubu said he addresses the nation with a “heavy heart and a sense of responsibility,” as he is aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some states.

He then appealed to protesters to suspend any further demonstrations and create room for dialogue, saying that “Nigeria requires all hands on deck” to work together in reshaping the nation’s destiny.

“Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation.”

Tinubu also warned posters who have taken “undue advantage” to threaten any section of the country that the law will catch up with them.

The president’s warning comes amid concerns about the resurgence of the ‘IgboMustGo’ hashtag on social media, which has been used to target Igbos, particularly during election cycles in Lagos, following the perceived support of Igbo people for the ongoing nationwide anti-government protests.

Tinubu, however,  condemned such ethnic bigotry, stating, “The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.”

He added that his vision for the country is one of a “just and prosperous nation” where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide.