ECOWAS To Protesters—Heed Tinubu’s Call For Dialogue

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has advised protesters #EndBadGovernance to heed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for dialogue.

African Nugget reports that Tinubu had during his national broadcast on Sunday morning, urged protesters to shelve the protest and “create room for dialogue”.

The protesters however didn’t heed his warning and have continued the nationwide protest amid looting and vandalism.

ECOWAS in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed regret over the violent turnout of the protest and sympathised with the families of those who died during the protest.

It said, “The ECOWAS Commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic 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. The Commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.”

The organization added that it 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.”

It further urged protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for dialogue for peace and resolution to take place in the country.

“The commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of August 4, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large.”