Nigeria's President Urges Youth to Avoid Upcoming Protests Amid Economic Strain

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has called on young citizens to refrain from participating in planned nationwide protests, labeling the organizers as “sinister” individuals exploiting the country's economic difficulties. The protests, inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, aim to address rising living costs and demand government accountability. In Kenya, protesters successfully pressured President William Ruto to abandon tax increases and dismiss his cabinet, raising concerns about similar unrest in Nigeria. Tinubu emphasized the need for stability in a nation of over 200 million people, warning that protests could exacerbate the current economic crisis. He expressed concern that the mobilization of youth for protests could lead to further turmoil, reminiscent of the violent crackdown on the #EndSARS movement three years ago, which sought to disband a police unit accused of extrajudicial killings. The previous protests resulted in significant loss of life and heightened tensions between citizens and law enforcement. Trade union leaders have urged the president to engage with protest organizers rather than dismiss their grievances as mere political dissent. The Nigeria Labour Congress highlighted the dire situation many families face, with some reportedly surviving on just one meal a day. They asserted that citizens have a constitutional right to protest, despite the Labour Party distancing itself from the planned demonstrations. Additionally, a group of small-scale retailers has voiced opposition to the protests, fearing a repeat of the violence experienced during the #EndSARS protests. They expressed a desire to avoid further unrest, which has left lasting scars on the nation.