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The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Tuesday threw its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s national broadcast on Sunday where he called for dialogue with the protesters against hunger in Nigeria.
The sub-regional body urged #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protesters to call off their action and embrace the dialogue offered by the president to ventilate their anger.
Nevertheless, it condemned the violence, fatalities, and destruction that marred the protests in some areas.
ECOWAS, in a statement, commiserated with the bereaved families, whose loved ones died in the mayhem, while also sympathised with Nigeria and Nigerians over the losses recorded.
The statement read: “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 ECOWAS Commission recognises 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.”
Furthermore, it hailed President Tinubu for seeking dialogue and urged the protesters to heed the call.
“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,” the statement further said.
Recall that Nigerians embarked on a ten-day nationwide protest against harsh economic conditions in the country, which has made the cost of essential commodities rise beyond the reach of most Nigerians.
The #EndBadGovernance protest began on August 1. It is scheduled to end on August 10, but has degenerated into violence, leading to multiple deaths, vandalism and destruction of properties.
