President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for an end to protests following three days of demonstrations over a cost of living crisis that resulted in at least seven deaths and over 700 arrests. In a televised address, Tinubu acknowledged Nigerians’ pain and frustration but defended his economic reforms, including the removal of a petrol subsidy that demonstrators have blamed for the nation’s skyrocketing cost of living. He claimed the protests were hijacked by looters and emphasized the need for dialogue. However, he did not indicate any intention to address the controversial policies. The demonstrations were organized via social media, mirroring similar events in Kenya where protesters succeeded in forcing President William Ruto to scrap a plan to increase taxes. Like their Kenyan counterparts, the protesters vow to continue until their demands are met, urging Tinubu to meet them publicly. Meanwhile, the police deny using excessive force during the protests.
SOURCE: BBC
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