Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for the suspension of mass protests against economic hardship in the West African nation, citing the deadly clashes during demonstrations last week.
The president made the request during a televised address on Sunday, announcing his government’s preference for dialogue in dealing with the concerns of the protesters.
“My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens,” Tinubu said.
Nigerians began demonstrating on Thursday against the cost-of-living crisis and alleged bad governance, making several demands, including a reduction in petrol prices and electricity tariffs.
According to Amnesty International, at least 13 people have been killed in clashes with the police since the start of the nationwide rallies, which are scheduled to last ten days. The Nigeria Police Force has denied the allegations, stating that seven people have been confirmed dead in a number of incidents that did not involve excessive use of force by police officers.
Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement on Saturday that four people were killed in an explosion suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram terrorists during a march in northeast Borno State; two were hit by a car, and another was shot by a guard while protesters looted a shop in Kebbi State.
Curfews have been imposed in five northern states, including Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe, after the local authorities accused “hoodlums” of looting government and public property. More than 680 people have been arrested as of Saturday, according to official figures.
In his speech on Sunday, the leader of Africa’s most populous state declared that his “government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.”
Nigerians are facing the worst cost-of-living crisis in nearly 30 years, after Tinubu scrapped a contentious fuel subsidy and announced other reforms when he took office in May last year. The country’s inflation rate hit 34.19% in June, with food inflation exceeding 40%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Tinubu defended the reforms as necessary to generate more revenue and secure foreign investment.
“The economy is recovering; please, don’t shut out its oxygen,” Tinubu said.