No place for ethnic bigotry in Nigeria — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has warned that those who capitalise on the nationwide protest, which began on Thursday, August 1, 2024, to threaten any part of the country will face legal consequences.

Tinubu issued this warning during his nationwide broadcast delivered on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

He stated that issues of ethnic bigotry will not be tolerated in the Nigeria his government is working to build.

“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,” Tinubu said. “There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.”

Tinubu explained that as President of Nigeria, he must ensure public order, and in line with his constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, his government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.

READ ALSO: Five things we learned from Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast

“Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always welcomed at the slightest opportunity.”

He said Nigeria requires all hands on deck, regardless of age, party, tribe, religion, or other divides, to work together in reshaping the country’s destiny.

“Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected. Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of the lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner.”

He added that his vision for Nigeria 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—one that is open, transparent, and accountable to the people.