Tinubu’s Address: MURIC calls for end to protests, urges orginsers to seek peaceful talks
Protesters gesture as they hold placards at a live concert at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, on October 15, 2020, during a demonstration to protest against police brutality and scrapping of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). (Photo by Pierre FAVENNEC / AFP) (Photo by PIERRE FAVENNEC/AFP via Getty Images)
A faith-based human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has appealed to Nigerian youths and the organisers of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest to listen to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by accepting the offer of dialogue made by him in the interest of peace and progress.
MURIC’s appeal was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation today, Sunday, 4th August, 2024. It was a moment for sober reflection as his speech was deep, revealing, thought-provoking and full of hope.
“His speech came in response to appeals by well-meaning Nigerians who advised the president to address issues raised by protesters.
“MURIC appeals to Nigerian youths and the organisers of the ongoing hunger protest to listen to the father of the nation by accepting the offer of dialogue made by him in the interest of peace and the progress of our dear country.
“This is the time for leaders of the protests to make themselves available for meaningful dialogue between them and government officials on the way forward. Such dialogue will be an avenue for better understanding of efforts being made by government to ameliorate hardship in the country. It will also serve as an opportunity for leaders to add their own inputs where necessary.
“MURIC appeals to the leaders not to allow themselves to be used to extend the protest period beyond today, Sunday, 4th August 2024. They should call off the protest as a mark of respect for the father of the nation and in response to the president’s nationwide address.”
Recall that President Tinubu earlier expressed his readiness to dialogue with protesters who have tabled various demands before the APC-led government.
Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast on Sunday morning, said, “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation”
