The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appealed to the Nigerian protesters to heed the call of President Bola Tinubu and embrace dialogue in order to end the demonstrations that have turned violent in some parts of the country in the past days.
Protesters had hit the streets in several Nigerian cities to express their anger against the policies of President Tinubu with the #EndBadGovernance slogan, which started on August 1 peacefully but suddenly turned violent with reported cases of killings and widespread looting.
Many states, especially in Northern Nigeria, have imposed curfews to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.
In a s statement issued on Tuesday, the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja said it has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of Nigeria, and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties.
Part of the statement read: “The Commission extended 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 Commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of 4th August 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and for the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large.”
LEADERSHIP had reported how Nigerians trooped out in their numbers to protest against the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the Nigerian currency- the Naira and the harsh economic crises they have unleashed on the citizens occasioned by skyrocketing prices in food and other essential items.
LEADERSHIP also reported that although President Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday made promises, he has refused to yield to the major demands of the protesters which were to return the subsidies on fuel and electricity and reverse the floating of the naira.
Dissatisfied with Tinubu’s response to their demands, the protesters have vowed not to leave the streets until their demands were met.