President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests as “violent”, bemoaning the loss of lives, among whom are youth.
He promised that his administration would not “stand by idly and allow a few with a political agenda to tear the country apart”.
“My fellow Nigerians, 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,” he began.
“I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, the destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of protest organisers that the protest would be peaceful across the country. The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will be again used to restore them.
“”I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction. As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.”
The #EndBadGovernance protests began on August 1 and are scheduled to last until August 10.
