President Tinubu Addresses the Nation, Calls for Suspension to “Hunger” Protest
President Bola Tinubu has called for the suspension of the ongoing “End Bad Governance” protests, citing the loss of lives and destruction of properties across several states.
He expressed sorrow over the incidents in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other regions, where violent demonstrations led to significant damage and looting, “contrary to the promise of protest organisers that the protest would be peaceful across our country.
He said the destruction of property has sets Nigeria back as a nation, “as scarce resources will again be used to restore them,”
The President extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the protest.
He reiterated his commitment to maintaining public order and protecting lives and properties, “our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart,” he said.
He warned those exploiting the situation to incite ethnic bigotry or threats, stating that the law would catch up with them.
He enjoined the protest organisers to suspend further protest and create room for dialogue.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians, regardless of age, party, tribe, religion, or other divides, to work together in reshaping the nation.
*My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, 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.”
Economic Reforms and Progress
The President highlighted the economic challenges faced by Nigeria and the measures taken to address them.
He mentioned the removal of fuel subsidies and the abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems, which he said were necessary steps to reverse decades of economic mismanagement.
“These actions blocked the greed and profits that smugglers and rent-seekers made. They also blocked the undue subsidies we had extended to our neighboring countries to the detriment of our people,” Tinubu explained.
He noted that these reforms have already started showing positive results, with government revenues more than doubling and a reduction in debt service expenditure from 97% to 68%.
CNG Initiative to Reduce Costs
To lower transportation costs, Tinubu announced the launch of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative aimed to save over N2 trillion monthly by reducing the importation of petrol and diesel.
“We will be distributing a million kits at extremely low or no cost to commercial vehicles that transport people and goods, which currently consume 80% of the imported PMS and AGO, we believe that this CNG initiative will reduce transportation costs by approximately 60 percent and help to curb inflation.” He said.
Tinubu also highlighted several programmes designed to support youth and small businesses, including the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).
“More than N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants with an additional 400,000 more nano-businesses expected to benefit.”
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving and expanding national infrastructure, creating more opportunities for young people, and fostering economic growth.
The economy is recovering; don’t shut out its oxygen. Now that we have been enjoying democratic governance for 25 years, do not let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey. The president pleaded.
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation.” He added.
