The President of Nigeria Demand for Stop of Protests Against Economic Difficulties

 

On Sunday, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu called for a halt to demonstrations against the rising cost of living, urging citizens to create a forum for communication. This marked his first public remarks since protests began last week.

Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security personnel on the first day of protests, Thursday. By Saturday, police confirmed seven deaths, denying excessive use of force. Among the casualties, two were injured by a car, four by an explosive device in Borno state, and one was shot by a guard during a store looting.

In a televised address, Tinubu called for an end to the violence and emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue.

"My fellow Nigerians, particularly our younger generation, I have heard you clearly and unambiguously. I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our people. I know the suffering and frustration that motivate these demonstrations," Tinubu said.

Nigerians have largely taken to online platforms to express their dissatisfaction with poor governance and financial hardship, demanding lower power rates and petrol prices.

Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has defended his economic policies, including the naira devaluation and partial removal of fuel and energy subsidies, stating these measures are necessary to correct years of economic mismanagement.

He noted that while the debt servicing ratio had dropped from 97% to 68% since his tenure began, government revenues had more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion).

Tinubu also highlighted increased spending on infrastructure projects, the initiation of a loan scheme for university students, and the construction of thousands of housing units across Nigeria's 36 states.

Despite these initiatives, the president stressed the importance of maintaining peace and unity in the nation.

"We must not let violence and destruction divide our nation," he said.

The rising costs and declining purchasing power have exacerbated Nigerians' dissatisfaction with the economy. The government's decision to cut fuel and electricity subsidies has particularly sparked controversy, leading to higher prices for basic goods and services.

Since last week, a diverse group of protesters, notably young people, have united to voice their grievances against current economic policies.

Tinubu's call for communication is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the protesters' concerns. However, it remains to be seen whether the government's initiatives will be sufficient to quell the unrest and bring about significant change.

As Nigeria navigates this challenging period, effective communication between the government and its citizens becomes increasingly vital. Encouraging open dialogue and cooperation is essential for overcoming the current economic difficulties and building a prosperous future for all Nigerians.