President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday morning, addressed the recent wave of violent protests that have swept across various states in Nigeria, linking the unrest to political motivations and promising strong government action to restore order.
His speech came in response to the widespread demonstrations demanding an end to what protesters have termed as “bad governance.”
“Fellow Nigerians,” Tinubu began, his voice laden with gravity, “I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states.”
Beginning on August 1, the #EndBadGovernance protests emerged from widespread discontent over economic conditions and government policies.
With thousands taking to the streets, demonstrators are demanding urgent government intervention to address the soaring cost of living and other socio-economic issues.
Several violent incidents, including deaths and looting, have marred the protests, intensifying the tense situation and prompting calls for an end to the protests.
While the Northern parts of the country have been rocked by the incidents of violence and arson, the South East and South West have largely experienced peaceful rallies.
Tinubu highlighted the loss of lives in states like Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna, and condemned the destruction of public facilities.
“I am especially pained by the loss of lives and the wanton destruction of properties,” Tinubu said.
“The promise of peaceful protests was betrayed, and instead, we witnessed chaos that has set us back as a nation.”
The President attributed the unrest to a “clear political agenda” by some factions, suggesting that the violence was not merely a spontaneous outburst of public frustration but part of a calculated effort to destabilize his administration.
He called for an end to the protests and urged protesters and organizers to engage in dialogue rather than violence.
“Our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart,” Tinubu warned.
“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’s address was also a defence of his administration’s economic policies, particularly the controversial removal of fuel subsidies and the overhaul of foreign exchange systems.
These measures, which the government argues are essential for long-term economic stability, have faced significant backlash from the public.
“For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip due to misalignments,” Tinubu stated.
“I took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems. These actions were crucial to reverse decades of economic mismanagement.”
The President emphasised that these reforms were designed to curb the benefits enjoyed by smugglers and rent-seekers and to redirect resources to more productive uses.
Tinubu detailed how the government has made strides in boosting aggregate revenues, reducing debt service costs, and clearing foreign exchange obligations, all aimed at creating a more stable economic environment.
Amidst the turmoil, Tinubu underscored the government’s achievements in infrastructure and economic growth.
He highlighted major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which are set to enhance connectivity, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity.
“Our once-declining oil and gas industry is experiencing a resurgence,” he noted.
“Last month, we increased our oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day, and our gas assets are receiving the attention they deserve.”
A significant portion of the address focused on the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and social welfare.
Tinubu detailed various programs, including the student loan scheme, the Consumer Credit Corporation, and the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) program, which collectively aim to boost employment and provide financial support to young Nigerians.
“To date, 45.6 billion Naira has been processed for payment to students,” Tinubu announced.
“We have also secured $620 million under the IDiCE program to empower our young people, creating millions of IT and technical jobs.”
However, Tinubu expressed disappointment over the vandalism of one of the digital centers during the protests, describing it as a setback to the government’s efforts.
Despite the challenges, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to addressing the concerns of the Nigerian people and urged for a collective effort towards nation-building. He appealed to Nigerians to choose hope over fear and unity over division.
“The task before us is a collective one, and I am leading the charge as your President,” he asserted.
“We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity.”
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to human rights and security, urging law enforcement to maintain peace and protect citizens while adhering to human rights conventions.
