ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s leader called Sunday for an end to the mass protests about economic hardship, and said the protests become violent and blame “a few people with a political agenda” who are driving them.
The protests, which began on Thursday, have been accompanied by reports of looting and vandalism, as well as allegations that security forces have used excessive force. Amnesty International reported the deaths of nine protesters in clashes with police, while another four were killed by a bomb. Nigerian police denied the Amnesty report.
“I heard you loud and clear,” the president said Ball Tinubu said in his first public remarks on the demonstrations. “I understand the pain and frustration that these protests are causing, and I want to assure you that our administration is committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”
But, he said, “some people with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart” would be stopped by security forces.
The protests reflect the frustration over the worst cost of living crisis in a generation and allegations of misgovernance and corruption in Africa’s most populous country, a major oil producer where the huge incomes of government officials contrast with the great poverty and hunger.
Tinubu’s aides have said the protests are politically motivated. His election last year was contested by the opposition after he won with 37% of the vote, the narrowest margin of any Nigerian president. The election also recorded the lowest turnout since 1999, when the country returned to democracy.
The protesters are also inspired by other youth in Kenya who held rallies last month resist a planned tax increase.
The Nigerian leader said his government “will not sit idly by” and allow the looting reported in recent days to continue.
“Given the circumstances, I urge the protesters and organizers to suspend further 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 absorb declining foreign investment, but the direct consequences of which have only caused more problems.
The reforms, including the suspension of decades-old gas subsidies and devaluation of the currencyhave had a domino effect on the price of almost everything, according to analysts, because they have been poorly implemented.
“The economy is recovering; please don’t cut it off from oxygen,” Tinubu said.
In a region that has witnessed widespread military coups Amid popular discontent with democratically elected governments, the Nigerian leader warned that the protests could also pose a threat to democracy in the country.
“Never forward, never back!” he said.
