Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for an end to ongoing protests after reports of bloodshed during three days of demonstrations over the escalating cost of living crisis. At least seven people have lost their lives, and more than 700 have been detained since nationwide protests began on Thursday as part of a planned “days of rage” initiative, which aims to address urgent socio-economic issues.
In a televised address, President Tinubu expressed solidarity with Nigerians, particularly the youth, acknowledging their pain and frustration amid challenging economic conditions heightened by his policies since taking office in May 2023. He defended his economic reforms, which have been criticized by protesters who attribute their hardships to soaring prices.
The president stated that some protests had been overshadowed by acts of looting and urged for the cessation of violence to facilitate constructive dialogue. However, he gave no indication of reversing policies such as the removal of petrol subsidies and the pegging of the local currency to the dollar.
The demonstrations, amplified by social media under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, drew inspiration from successful protests in other countries, such as Kenya, where citizens were able to influence government decisions regarding tax increases. President Tinubu expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in four northern states and the damage to public infrastructure.
In response to the unrest, authorities have imposed 24-hour curfews in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe states, citing violence attributed to “hoodlums”. President Tinubu condemned the looting incidents, stating they contradict the principles of peaceful protest advocated by organizers.
The protests began with significant participation in Kano city, where police employed live ammunition and tear gas in attempts to disperse large crowds. In his address, the president emphasized the government’s priority of maintaining public order, declaring that it would not permit any factions with political motives to disrupt national unity.
Amnesty International reported a death toll of 13 nationwide as it urged the governor of Kano to initiate an independent inquiry into the fatalities among protesters. Security forces in the capital, Abuja, have also been active in dispersing demonstrators, resulting in ongoing tensions.
As businesses began to reopen in Lagos and parts of Abuja after the initial wave of protests, the effectiveness of the president’s address in calming the discontent among the youth remains uncertain. Protest organizers, such as Abiodun Sanusi from the Take It Back Nigeria movement, emphasized the necessity of tangible dialogue and public engagement with the president, dismissing any notion of clandestine discussions. They reiterated their resolve to remain in the streets until their demands are acknowledged, underscoring their call for peaceful protests solely led by the police, rejecting any military involvement.
