The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on Tuesday urged #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protesters to call off their action and opt for dialogue to ventilate their anger.
However, the sub-regional organisation deplored the amount of violence, fatalities, and the destruction of that characterised the protests in some areas.
In a statement, while commiserating with the bereaved families, who lost their dear ones in the mayhem, ECOWAS also sympathised with Nigeria and its citizens over the losses incurred.
“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 statement read.
“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 regional body also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday national broadcast where he called for inclusive dialogue with the protesters.
“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,” the statement further said.
Recall that Nigerians embarked on a ten-day nationwide protest against harsh economic conditions in the country, which has made the cost of essential commodities rise beyond the reach of most Nigerians.
The protest, which began on August 1 and was planned to last till August 10, has been marred violence, resulting in deaths and wanton destruction of properties.