End bad governance: ECOWAS reacts to violence, deaths in Northern Nigeria, tells protesters what to do

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sent a crucial message to the organisers of the nationwide protests
• Despite calls by President Tinubu for the suspension of the protests, the demonstration has continued and resulted in widespread violence, deaths and destruction of properties in some states within Nigeria
• In a statement issued on August 5, ECOWAS urged #EndBadGovernance protesters to heed President Tinubu’s call for dialogue and peaceful resolution to address critical issues

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reacted to the destruction of properties and deaths recorded in some northern states in the wake of the nationwide protests.

ECOWAS urges organisers of the protests to shelve the action and accept Tinubu's appeal for dialogue. Photo credit: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Source: Facebook

In a statement released on Sunday, August 5, and shared its website on X, ECOWAS urged the #EndBadGovernance protesters in Nigeria to listen to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for dialogue.

The Commission, in the statement, regretted reports of violence that erupted during the protest and urged organisers of the demonstration to sheath their sword and embrace peace.

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The regional bloc recognized citizens' right 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.

The statement read:

“ECOWAS 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 sympathises with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.”“The Commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of 4th August 2024 by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and for the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large.”

Read more on Nigeria's protests:

• Obasanjo identifies possbile cause of hunger protests, warns Tinubu
• Protesters burn down APC headquarters in Jigawa
• Protesters raising Russian flag: APC chieftain tells Tinubu what to do

NLC reacts to protest suspension reports

In another related development, Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) quashed reports that it reconsidered its decision concerning the ongoing protests against economic hardship in the country.

In a statement, the NLC also refuted claims that it suspended the demonstration.

Source: Legit.ng