Heed Tinubu’s Dialogue Call, ECOWAS Urges #EndBadGovernance Protesters
The Economic Community of West African States Commission condemned reports of violence, fatalities, and property destruction during the ongoing protests in Nigeria and expressed worry about them.
Thus, it pleaded with demonstrators to pay attention to the request for communication.
The commission conveyed its sympathies to the relatives of the deceased and its condolences to the Nigerian government and people for their losses.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday ECOWAS emphasized the freedom of citizens to peaceful protests as guaranteed by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The commission also welcomed the recent State of the Nation address by President Bola Tinubu on August 4, 2024.
ECOWAS urged protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue to address grievances and ensure peace and security in Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.
