ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s leader called on Sunday for an end to more protests due to economic difficulties, saying that the demonstrations became violent and blame “a few with a political agenda” for driving them. However, protests continued for a fourth day in some places, including the economic center of Lagos.
The protests, which began on Thursday, have been accompanied by reports of looting and vandalism, as well as accusations that security forces have used excessive force. Amnesty International has reported the deaths of nine protesters in clashes with police, while four others were killed by a bomb. Nigerian police denied Amnesty’s report.
“I have heard you loud and clear,” President Bola Tinubu said in his first public comments on the protests. “I understand the pain and frustration driving these protests and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”
But, he said, “some with a clear political agenda to destroy this nation” would encounter resistance from security forces.
Tinubu’s comments were criticized by some who said he did not address the problems that caused the protests. It was a “missed opportunity” in which the Nigerian leader “avoided the underlying problems and failed to provide a clear roadmap and objectives to address them,” Lagos-based research firm SBM Intelligence said in its assessment.
The protests reflect frustration with The worst cost of living crisis. in a generation and accusations of misgovernance and corruption in Africa’s most populous country, a major oil producer where The enormous profits of public officials. They contrast with the high levels of poverty and hunger.
Tinubu’s advisers have said the protests are politically motivated. His election last year was questioned by the opposition after he won with 37% of the vote, the smallest margin of any Nigerian president in history. The elections also recorded the lowest turnout since 1999, when the country returned to democracy.
Protesters have also been inspired by other young Kenyans who held demonstrations last month. stand against a planned tax increase.
The Nigerian leader affirmed that his government “will not sit idly by” and allow the looting reported in recent days to continue.
“Under the circumstances, I hereby urge protesters and organizers to suspend any future protests and create space for dialogue,” he said.
The military has also threatened to intervene to quell the violence.
Tinubu defended the bold reforms which were supposed to save the government money and shore up dwindling foreign investment, but whose immediate impact has increased difficulties.
The reforms, including the suspension of decades-old gas subsidies and Devaluation of currencyThey have had a domino effect on the price of almost everything else because they have been poorly implemented, analysts say.
“The economy is recovering; Please don’t block the oxygen,” Tinubu said.
In a region that has witnessed unbridled military coups Due to popular discontent with democratically elected governments, the Nigerian leader warned that the protests could also threaten the country’s democracy.
“Always forward, never back!” he said.
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