From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has condoled with families of protesters who lost their lives during the ongoing protest in the country.
The ECOWAS Commission, in a statement issued in Abuja, said it has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by Nigerians, 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 said.
The ECOWAS Commission further said it recognizes 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 ECOWAS Commission also welcomed the State of the Nation address of August 4, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and for the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large.