Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that he is not afraid of protests but is deeply concerned about potential violence and property damage that could arise from such demonstrations.
During a meeting with traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Tinubu expressed his commitment to addressing the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
Tinubu highlighted that while Nigeria is on a path to recovery, his administration remains wary of the risks associated with protests, referencing the disruption of the 2020 #EndSARS protests by state-sponsored thugs.
Tinubu stated, “Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests.”
He noted the significant damage caused, such as the destruction of new buses in Lagos, which has exacerbated transportation issues.
“Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem,” Tinubu added, thanking the traditional rulers “for talking to the citizens” to shelve the August nationwide protests over economic hardships.
To prevent similar disruptions, Tinubu has engaged traditional rulers and clerics to persuade citizens to refrain from participating in planned nationwide protests over economic hardships.
In response to the unrest, the government has taken measures including distributing rice to states and increasing the minimum wage to N70,000.
Economic reforms under Tinubu’s government, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to a dramatic rise in petrol prices and a sharp decline in the naira’s value. These changes have significantly impacted food prices and contributed to calls for protests.
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