Nigeria’s leader has gone on a charm offensive, claiming “the economy is recovering; please, don’t shut out its oxygen”.
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu called for an end to mass protests over economic hardship, stating that the rallies have turned violent and accusing “a few with a political agenda” of driving them.
Despite his appeal, protests continued for a fourth day in some areas, including the economic hub of Lagos.
The demonstrations, which began on Thursday, have been marred by reports of looting, vandalism, and allegations of excessive force by security forces.
Amnesty International reported that nine protesters had died in clashes with police, while another four were killed by a bomb. Nigerian police denied Amnesty's report.
In his first public statement on the protests, President Bola Tinubu said, “I have heard you loud and clear. 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.”
However, he warned that security forces would resist those with “a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.”
Tinubu's remarks were criticised by some as failing to address the root causes of the protests. The Lagos-based SBM Intelligence research firm called it a “missed opportunity,” noting that the president “shied away from the underlying issues and provided no roadmap or clear targets for tackling them.”
The protests reflect widespread frustration with Nigeria's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and accusations of mismanagement and corruption in Africa’s most populous country. The high earnings of public officials are in stark contrast with high levels of poverty and hunger.
Tinubu’s aides have claimed the protests are politically motivated. His election last year, which he won with 37% of the vote, was the most contested in Nigeria's history and recorded the lowest turnout since the country returned to democracy in 1999.
Protesters have also drawn inspiration from young people in Kenya, who held rallies last month against a planned tax hike.
The Nigerian leader stated that his government “will not stand idly” by and allow the recent looting to continue. He urged protesters and organizers to suspend further demonstrations and engage in dialogue. The military has also threatened to intervene to stop the violence.
Tinubu defended his government’s reforms, intended to save money and attract foreign investment but which have exacerbated hardships due to poor implementation. These reforms, including the suspension of longstanding gas subsidies and currency devaluation, have caused price increases for almost everything.
Tinubu warned that the protests could threaten Nigeria’s democracy, as seen in other regional coups driven by popular discontent with elected governments.
"Forward ever, backward never!" he concluded.
Cape Times