BTN News: The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has asked for an end to the large protests happening because of economic problems. He says that some people with political goals have taken over these protests. The protests started on Thursday and have included reports of looting, vandalism, and claims of police using too much force. Amnesty International said that nine protesters died in clashes with the police and four more died from a bomb. However, the Nigerian police have disagreed with Amnesty International’s report.
In his first public response to these protests, President Tinubu recognized the reasons behind them. “I have heard you loud and clear,” he said. “I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests. I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”
Despite this, Tinubu said that security forces would deal with “a few with clear political goals of tearing this nation apart.” The protests show how frustrated people are with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. There are also accusations of mismanagement and corruption in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and a major oil producer. In Nigeria, the huge incomes of public officials contrast sharply with the high levels of poverty and hunger.
Tinubu’s advisors have said that the protests have political motives. His election win last year was disputed by the opposition. Tinubu won with only 37% of the vote, which is the smallest margin for a president in Nigeria’s history. The election also had the lowest voter turnout since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.
The protests in Nigeria were also inspired by recent youth-led protests in Kenya against a planned tax increase. President Tinubu said that his government would not allow the looting reported in recent days to continue. “In these circumstances, I hereby instruct protesters and organizers to suspend any new protests and allow room for dialogue,” he said. The military has also threatened to step in to stop the violence.
Tinubu defended his government’s bold reforms. These reforms aim to save money for the government and attract more foreign investment. However, these changes, including the removal of long-standing gas subsidies and the devaluation of the currency, have made everyday life harder by causing prices to rise. Analysts have criticized the way these measures were implemented.
“The economy is recovering: please, don’t leave it without oxygen,” Tinubu urged. In a region where military coups are common due to public dissatisfaction with elected governments, Tinubu warned that the protests could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
