By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu Calls for End to Deadly Protests Amid Cost of Living Crisis
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has urged an end to the violent protests that have resulted in "bloodshed" over the past three days, sparked by a worsening cost of living crisis. Since the demonstrations began on Thursday, at least seven people have died, and more than 700 have been arrested.
In a televised address, President Tinubu appealed to the youth, stating, "My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear," acknowledging their "pain and frustration." He defended his economic reforms, which have been blamed for the hardships since he took office in May 2023, including rising prices.
President Tinubu claimed the protests had been hijacked by looters in some areas and emphasized that ending the unrest would create room for dialogue. However, he did not indicate any intention to reverse his policies, such as removing the petrol subsidy or ending the local currency's peg to the dollar.
President Tinubu expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in four northern states and the destruction of public facilities. Twenty four hour curfews remain in place in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe, where authorities have accused “hoodlums” of violence. He condemned "the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops," which he said went against the protest organizers' promises.
The protests in Kano city saw the largest crowds, with police using live bullets and tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators. Looting was also reported. The 72 year old president emphasized his duty to maintain public order, stating, "Our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart."
Amnesty International reported a death toll of 13 nationwide and called on Kano's governor to "set up an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the killing of at least 10 hunger protesters." In the capital, Abuja, security forces fired tear gas for a third day on Saturday to prevent protesters from marching from a designated stadium to the city center.
Businesses that had closed during the initial protests began to reopen in Lagos and parts of Abuja on Friday. However, it is uncertain if the president's address will calm the anger of young Nigerians.
“We can't leave the streets until our demands are met,” said Abiodun Sanusi from the Take It Back Nigeria movement, one of the protest organizers. He urged the president to meet protesters at Eagle Square in Abuja for a public dialogue.
“If the president wants to have a dialogue, we urge the president to meet with us at Eagle Square, in the presence of all Nigerians and live on television. We are not interested in any secret meetings,” Sanusi added. He also expressed discontent with the defense chief's threat on Friday that the military would "act" if violence continued, insisting that "only the police should be on the streets, and they should be peaceful too.”
The police have denied using excessive force during the demonstrations.
