President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, accused the #EndBadGovernance protesters of deviating from their promise of holding a peaceful demonstration.
President Tinubu, who spoke during his nationwide address to Nigerians, also identified three major things that pained him about the protest, which has rocked major cities across the country since August 1.
According to the President, he is particularly pained by the loss of lives in some states, including Borno, Jigawa and Kaduna. He added that the destruction of public facilities and the wanton looting of some supermarkets and businesses are also painful.
The Nigerian leader lamented that the scarce resources of the nation would have to be used to restore properties destroyed during the protest.
Tinubu thereafter commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the protest and called for a stop to the violent activities.
“My fellow Nigerians.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states.
“Notably among the protesters were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes, and personal aspirations would be fulfilled.
“I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, the destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of protest organisers that the protest would be peaceful across the country. The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will be again used to restore them.
“I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction,” President Tinubu said in his speech.
