The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning against any country or foreign entities potentially involved in the ongoing #Endbadgovernance protests, which have entered their eighth day. These protests were ignited by the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s harsh economic policies,leadership reports.
Speaking to the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria, as a sovereign state, will not tolerate foreign interference in its domestic affairs, particularly from those supporting the protesters. The government’s stance may be linked to reports of protesters waving Russian flags and calling for President Vladimir Putin’s intervention amid widespread hunger and hardship.
Earlier reports indicated that Russia, through its embassy in Abuja, distanced itself from the protests, denying any involvement in their organization.
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The protests, which began on August 1 across Nigeria, have escalated into violence, resulting in deaths, looting, and property destruction.
Ambassador Tuggar reiterated that while the Nigerian government is committed to addressing the country’s challenges through various reforms, it will not tolerate foreign meddling. He warned that the government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity found to be supporting the protests or interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Despite this, Tuggar affirmed that Nigeria values its relationships with other countries and organizations and will not undermine these ties. He urged diplomats to work with the Nigerian government to address the economic challenges facing the country and improve the lives of all Nigerians.
Tuggar also pointed out that there is no quick fix to the deep-rooted issues President Tinubu inherited, but the administration’s reforms are well-considered and aimed at long-term success, creating a better foundation for jobs, prosperity, security, and a stable democracy.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris also addressed the diplomats, noting that President Tinubu has taken steps to alleviate the current suffering by suspending import duties and taxes on essential food items for 150 days to reduce food prices in the short term. Additionally, a new Executive Order on Healthcare has been signed, suspending import duties on pharmaceutical raw materials and equipment to lower drug costs.
As reported by LEADERSHIP, many Nigerian cities have seen protests since August 1 due to the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the Naira, which have driven up the prices of food and other essentials, causing widespread hunger and distress.
In a related development, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, explained the arrest of seven Polish nationals in connection with the protests. Represented by DSS spokesman Dr. Peter Afunanya, Bichi stated that the Poles were detained during a security operation because of their proximity to demonstrators waving foreign flags. Investigations into their involvement are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Tuggar expressed concern over the alarming rate of illicit weapon movement within the ECOWAS region, which is fueling insecurity. He urged the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defense staff to develop new strategies and recommendations to complement existing conventions on small arms and light weapons, aiming to curb the proliferation of illegal arms in West Africa.
At the 42nd meeting of ECOWAS chiefs of defense staff in Abuja, Tuggar highlighted the importance of military knowledge and strategic foresight in addressing the region’s security challenges. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, Senator Ahmed Lawan, assured that Nigeria is committed to providing the necessary resources to tackle these threats and restore democracy in African countries that have lost faith in it.
In the wake of recent unrest, a coalition of northern Nigerian organizations has called for amnesty for arrested protesters and significant investment in vocational training for youth in the region. The coalition had previously agreed to dialogue with the federal government on July 31, 2024, but violent protests erupted despite their efforts to prevent them.
Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has also urged youths to refrain from vandalizing public property, warning that those who incite such violence are enemies of the people.
In Kaduna, the state government has maintained a 24-hour curfew in response to the protests, while Bauchi State has relaxed a similar curfew in Katagum following improvements in peace and order.
