Nigerian leader blames violence on ‘political agenda’, urges end to protests due to hardships

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has appealed for an end to the ongoing mass protests sparked by economic hardships, stating that the demonstrations have turned violent due to the actions of a few individuals with a political agenda. The protests began on Thursday and have seen incidents of looting and vandalism, along with allegations of excessive force by security forces, though the Nigerian police have refuted claims made by Amnesty International regarding protester fatalities.
In his first public statement addressing the protests, Tinubu acknowledged the grievances expressed by the protesters and assured the citizens that the government is committed to addressing their concerns. However, he emphasized the need to resist those aiming to disrupt the nation’s unity for political reasons.
The protests in Nigeria reflect widespread frustration over the severe economic crisis and allegations of corruption in the country, which is Africa’s most populous and a major oil producer. Tinubu’s camp has suggested that the protests are politically motivated, following his disputed election victory last year amid low voter turnout.
Inspired by similar demonstrations in Kenya, the Nigerian protesters are demanding action on issues such as the high cost of living. Tinubu urged protesters and organizers to halt further demonstrations and allow for dialogue, warning that the government will not tolerate ongoing looting.
The president defended recent economic reforms aimed at saving the government money and attracting foreign investment, despite their immediate impact exacerbating hardships for the population. Critics argue that the poorly executed reforms, such as gas subsidy suspensions and currency devaluation, have led to price hikes across various sectors.
Amid concerns that the protests could jeopardize democracy in Nigeria, Tinubu cautioned against actions that could destabilize the country. He called for unity and progress, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the country’s economic stability amidst the current challenges.