- Tinubu seeks national unity.
- He added that Nigeria needs ‘all hands on Deck’ to reshape destiny.
President Bola Tinubu has delivered a strong message to those who have taken advantage of the ongoing nationwide demonstrations to threaten or harm innocent citizens, cautioning that they will face repercussions.
In a televised address to the nation on Sunday, the president tackled the recent turmoil that has brought the country to a standstill.
The 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest, which aims to address economic challenges, has been marred by violent clashes, looting, and property damage in the northern part of the country, whereas the southern region has witnessed relatively peaceful gatherings.
The president’s warning is a response to the rising tensions and unrest, as he seeks to restore calm and stability.
However, in certain sections of social media, there were calls for the forced relocation of Igbos from Lagos and other south-west states. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, described some of the posts as “reckless and divisive” and asked security agencies to go after those behind the page.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar reacted to the development and demanded the federal government “investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence” in the country.
Speaking on the situation, Tinubu promised to ensure order and not “allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart”.
The president added that the law would be visited upon anyone leveraging the situation to perpetrate “ethnic bigotry or such threats” in any part of the country.
“As president of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart,” he said.
“Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity.
“Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation. To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.
“My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide – one that is open, transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people.”