BREAKING: “During the Military Era,” Tinubu Breaks Silence on Nationwide Protest, Cautions Nigerians
State House, Abuja -On Thursday, July 25, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu admitted to participating in various protests in Nigeria Without violence.
This revelation by Tinubu is connected to the planned nationwide protest on August 1 that has generated concerns in the polity.
The president disclosed this when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
As reported by Daily Trust, Tinubu emphasized the importance of sustaining democracy and its institutions, noting that protests are an integral part of democracy, but that no government will condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
President Tinubu said:
”We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.
”During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property. We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”
Speaking further, President Tinubu
said in as much as he believes that demonstrations are part of democracy, but “we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property.”
This clarification by President Tinubu came after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said it has uncovered a plot
by mischief-makers to hijack the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship in the country.
Also, the Department of State Services (DSS) said it had identified the alleged sponsors
of the demonstration that will be held on August 1, and noted that their plan is to destabilise the peace and unity in the country.
The National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, told the governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) about the planned hunger and hardship protest.
Ribadu promised to support the 36 state governors in improving security architecture at the subnational.
