ECOWAS urges protesters to heed Tinubu’s call for dialogue
The Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) has pleaded with #EndBadGovernance protest to call off the action and embrace dialogue.
ECOWAS, in a statement, on Tuesday expressed worries over the ongoing protests in Nigeria.
The regional body also decried the reports of violence, fatalities and property destruction.
Tinubu on Sunday pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action, which had gone violent in some states with loss of lives and destruction of property.
ECOWAS emphasised the right of citizens to peaceful protests as enshrined in the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
ECOWAS however 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.
The Commission stated: “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 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,” it added.
The commission extended condolences to the bereaved families and sympathised with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.
