President Tinubu urges protesters to embrace dialogue in nationwide address

In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, August 4th, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the ongoing protests that have erupted across Nigeria, urging the youth and all protesters to cease their demonstrations and embrace dialogue.

Expressing empathy for the concerns driving the protests, President Tinubu also took a firm stance on maintaining law and order.

He lamented the violent turn of events that has led to loss of lives and widespread property damage in states such as Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna.

The President extended condolences to the families of those affected, condemning the looting and destruction that have occurred, which will require significant resources to repair.

“I am especially pained by the loss of lives and the destruction of public facilities,” Tinubu stated. “We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction.”

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Stressing his constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, Tinubu called on protesters to suspend further demonstrations and create space for dialogue. He emphasized the need for unity across all divides to reshape Nigeria’s future.

“Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organizers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue,” Tinubu urged. “Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all—regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides—to work together.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the frustrations fueling the protests and reiterated his administration’s efforts to rebuild the economy and improve living conditions.

He highlighted key economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange systems, which he described as necessary to reverse decades of economic mismanagement.

“In the past 14 months, our government has made significant strides in rebuilding the foundation of our economy,” Tinubu explained. “Aggregate government revenues have more than doubled, and productivity is gradually increasing in the non-oil sector.”

He also outlined various initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and boosting the economy, including the distribution of conversion kits under the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, the establishment of a student loan scheme, and programs to support small businesses and job creation.

“Our administration has shown its commitment to the youth by setting up the student loan scheme,” Tinubu noted. “We have also introduced several programs to empower our young people and support small businesses.”

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In his closing remarks, President Tinubu assured the youth that their voices have been heard and their concerns are being addressed. He called for unity and collective effort to build a brighter future for Nigeria, warning against the dangers of violence and misinformation.

“My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests,” Tinubu assured. “But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future.”

The President reaffirmed his commitment to improving national infrastructure, creating opportunities for the youth, and ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms reach all Nigerians.

He urged the public to reject any unconstitutional agendas that could derail the country’s democratic progress.

“Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation,” Tinubu concluded. “The economy is recovering; please, don’t shut out its oxygen.”

President Tinubu’s address aims to chart a path towards stability and progress, calling on all citizens to work together for a better future.