Tinubu seeks dialogue with protesters, asks them to suspend demonstrations

President Bola Tinubu has asked protesters to call off the nationwide demonstrations in order to “create room for dialogue”.

Nigerians have been protesting against economic hardship and spiralling inflation since August 1.

The demonstrations have turned violent in some northern states, with security operatives dispersing protesters with tear gas canisters in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Kaduna.

In a nationwide broadcast on August 4, the president said he has heard the protesters “loud and clear”.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“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.

“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.”

The president added that the removal of subsidy on petrol and floating of the naira were imperative given the state of the nation’s economy when he assumed the reins in 2023.

“For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip because of many misalignments that have stunted our growth. Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue the use of temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations,” he added.

“I therefore took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems which had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our nation and impeded our economic development and progress.

“I have been meeting with our Governors and key Ministers to accelerate food production.

“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.

“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.

“The task before us is a collective one, and I am leading the charge as your President. A lot of work has gone into stabilising our economy and I must stay focused on ensuring that the benefits reach every single Nigerian as promised.”