Tinubu begs Nigerians to suspend hunger protest, says ‘I have heard you loud and clear’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begged Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protests that have rocked the nation since Thursday, saying ‘I have heard you loud and clear’.

The President who made the plea in a nationwide address on Sunday, July 4, 2024, said his administration was ready to listen and address the concerns of protesters.

Tinubu also commiserated with the families of Nigerians who died during clashes with security forces and those who lost property to lootings.

“My dear Nigerians, especially our youths, 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 in a broadcast to the nation this morning.

“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity”.

The President called the task before Nigeria a collective one, saying: “And I am leading the charge as your President. A lot of work has gone into stabilising our economy and I must stay focused on ensuring that the benefits reach every single Nigerian as promised.”

The 10-day planned protest, which began on Thursday primarily against the rising cost of living and hunger, deteriorated into violence, destruction of property and loss of lives in many parts of the nation.