Protest: ‘I won’t allow people with practical agenda to destroy Nigeria – Tinubu tells Nigerians

By Daniel Usman

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday has vowed never to allow people with a clear political agenda tear apart/ destroy Nigeria.

He reassured the preparedness of his administration not to fold its hand or stand idly and watch suspected ‘enemies’ to destroy the country.

President Tinubu made this known in a national broadcast, addressing Nigerians amidst the ongoing #EndBadGovernance/ hunger nationwide protest.

Tinubu, while expressing grief over loss of lives due to the protest, commiserated with families of those involved in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, said “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.”

Continuing, the President stated that his responsibility is to ensure public order, adding that “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.

“Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity.

“Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation.

“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. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.

“Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected. Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner.

“My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide – one that is open, transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people,” the President said in the broadcast” he stated.