Nigeria’s Tinubu Appeals for Calm Amid Widespread Protests Over Economic Hardship
In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has issued a heartfelt plea for an end to the violent protests that have erupted across the country in response to his administration’s economic policies. The President’s call for peace comes as demonstrations, sparked by soaring living costs and economic reforms, have intensified, leading to significant unrest and casualties.
Tinubu’s Address: A Call for Peace and Dialogue
In a televised address on August 4, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the widespread frustration among Nigerians, particularly the youth, who have taken to the streets to protest against the rising cost of living. Tinubu assured the public that his government is committed to addressing their concerns but urged for the suspension of protests to prevent further violence and destruction.
“My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear,” Tinubu said. “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.”
Economic Reforms and Public Reaction
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has implemented several controversial economic reforms aimed at tackling Nigeria’s deep-rooted economic issues. These reforms include the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. Tinubu has defended these measures as necessary steps to rectify years of economic mismanagement and to put the country on a path to sustainable growth.
However, the public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. On August 1, thousands of Nigerians began protesting against the government’s policies, demanding reductions in fuel prices and electricity tariffs. The protests have quickly gained momentum, with demonstrators mobilizing both on the streets and online.
Activists and Critics Respond
The President’s address has been met with mixed reactions from activists and critics. Opeyemi Folarin, a prominent Lagos-based activist, described Tinubu’s speech as “underwhelming” and criticized the President for failing to make significant concessions. “If he was willing for dialogue, he should have made a concession,” Folarin told Al Jazeera, emphasizing that protesters are determined to continue their demonstrations until the government addresses their demands.
Ahmed Idris, reporting from a protest in Lagos, noted that while Tinubu’s administration is focusing on economic reforms, the President’s speech did not address the fundamental demands of the protesters, particularly the reinstatement of fuel subsidies. “People are really desperate for relief,” Idris said. “That is why people are going to continue to demand quicker reforms and government action to ease the pain.”
Security Forces and Human Rights Concerns
The protests have also led to significant clashes with security forces. Amnesty International has accused Nigerian police of using excessive force, resulting in at least 13 reported deaths. The organization has called for the release of detained protesters and has criticized the use of live ammunition to disperse crowds.
In response to these allegations, President Tinubu urged security operatives to maintain peace while adhering to human rights conventions. “Security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory,” Tinubu stated.
Government Response and Future Prospects
In his address, Tinubu highlighted ongoing efforts to address the economic crisis, including increased government spending on infrastructure projects, a new loan scheme for university students, and the construction of housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states. These measures are part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and improve public services.
Government revenues have seen a substantial increase, more than doubling to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.55 billion) in the first half of 2024. Notably, the proportion of revenue allocated to debt servicing has decreased from 97 percent to 68 percent since Tinubu assumed office.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
