'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the country on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in response to the ongoing violent protests that have erupted in various states. Emphasizing the need for unity, peace, and dialogue, the President outlined the government's commitment to addressing the root causes of the unrest and improving the lives of all Nigerians.
President Tinubu began his address by acknowledging the turmoil and violent protests that have resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of public facilities, particularly in states such as Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna. "I am especially pained by the loss of lives and the destruction of properties," he said. "We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction."
The President expressed his sympathy to the families and relations of those who have died in the protests and reiterated his constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of every citizen. He urged the protesters and organizers to suspend further protests and create room for dialogue. "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 implored.
President Tinubu underscored his vision for a just and prosperous Nigeria where peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihoods are ensured through democratic good governance. He detailed the significant strides made by his administration in the past 14 months, including economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. "Our government has made significant strides in rebuilding the foundation of our economy," he noted, highlighting a doubling of government revenues and increased productivity in the non-oil sector.
He also addressed the controversial decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems, which he described as necessary steps to reverse decades of economic mismanagement. "These actions blocked the greed and profits that smugglers and rent-seekers made," he said, adding that the measures have led to increased financial freedom and higher allocations to state and local governments.
In response to the protests, the President announced the launch of several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, including the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to reduce transportation costs and curb inflation, a student loan scheme with over N45.6 billion already processed, and the establishment of the Consumer Credit Corporation to facilitate essential product acquisitions without immediate cash payments.
The President also highlighted the administration's efforts to boost food production, provide incentives to farmers, and remove tariffs and import duties on essential commodities to drive down prices. "Our target is to cultivate more than 10 million hectares of land to grow what we eat," he said, emphasizing the importance of mechanized farming equipment on the way from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil.
Addressing the youth directly, President Tinubu acknowledged their frustrations and assured them of the government's commitment to listening and addressing their concerns. "My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear," he said. "We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity."
The President concluded his address by calling for unity and cautioning against those who might exploit the situation to promote division and unrest. "Let nobody misinform and miseducate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you," he warned. "We are in a new era of Renewed Hope. We are working hard for you, and the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy."
President Tinubu's speech emphasized the need for peace, unity, and collaborative efforts to build a better Nigeria. He assured the nation of his administration's dedication to good governance, economic stability, and social welfare, urging all Nigerians to work together towards a brighter future.
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