In a heartfelt nationwide broadcast, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the recent violent protests across the country, emphasising the need for unity and condemning ethnic bigotry.
He called for an end to the unrest and urged Nigerians to come together to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
“My fellow Nigerians, I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states,” Tinubu began.
He expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the protests and decried the destruction of public and private property.
Tinubu highlighted the involvement of young Nigerians in the protests, acknowledging their desire for a better and more progressive country.
However, he stressed that the violence and destruction were contrary to the organisers’ promise of peaceful demonstrations.
“The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will again be used to restore them,” he said.
The President firmly stated that the government would not tolerate actions that threaten the nation’s unity and stability.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
“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,” he said.
Addressing those who have used the situation to threaten any section of the country, Tinubu warned, “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.”
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