ECOWAS urges protesters to listen to Tinubu and seek peaceful dialogue
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has voiced concerns over the ongoing protests in Nigeria.
The regional body has urged protesters to heed President Tinubu’s call for calm and dialogue and urged protesters to engage in peaceful movement rather than cause violence.
On Sunday, President Tinubu called for the suspension of the nationwide protests and urged protesters to prevent loss of life and property damage while engaging in peaceful dialogue.
ECOWAS’ Official Statement
In its statement released to the press on Tuesday, August 6, ECOWAS expressed its concerns over the loss of lives and the damage inflicted on public and private property.
The commission extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed its sympathy to the Nigerian government and people.
The statement called for peaceful protest, referencing both the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ rights to peaceful demonstration.
Despite this, ECOWAS lamented the recent reports of violence and unrest. The commission welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s State of the Nation address on Sunday, August 4, 2024, which urged for an immediate end to the violence and a return to dialogue.
ECOWAS has called on all stakeholders to heed this call and work towards resolving it by restoring peace and stability.
The protests sparked by widespread discontent over economic situations, have led to severe disruptions. Major highways have been blocked, and cities including Kano, Gombe, and Abuja have witnessed violent clashes.
In some cases, confrontations between security forces and protesters also occurred.
