The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Nigerian protesters to heed President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for dialogue, aiming to end the violent demonstrations that have erupted in recent days.
Protests have broken out across several Nigerian cities in response to President Tinubu’s policies, initially under the peaceful banner of #EndBadGovernance since August 1. However, the protests have escalated into violence, with reported incidents of killings and widespread looting.
Many states, particularly in Northern Nigeria, have imposed curfews to maintain order and prevent further chaos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja expressed deep concern over the ongoing protests and the associated violence, including the deaths of protesters and the destruction of public and private properties.
The statement read: “The Commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses. The Commission recognizes the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”
The ECOWAS Commission also welcomed President Tinubu’s State of the Nation address on August 4, 2024, and urged protesters and all stakeholders to embrace his call for inclusive dialogue to resolve grievances and maintain peace and security in Nigeria and the broader ECOWAS region.
LEADERSHIP had previously reported widespread protests against the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, which have exacerbated economic hardships for citizens through soaring prices of essential goods.
Despite President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Sunday, where he made promises to address the issues, he has not acquiesced to the protesters’ primary demands to reinstate the subsidies and reverse the floating of the Naira.
Dissatisfied with Tinubu’s response, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.
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