From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Sequel to the ongoing protest in the country, the Federal Government has said it will not tolerate interference by any foreign power supporting the protesters.
The government specifically said it will take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, stated this while briefing the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.
The government’s warning is coming amidst the raising of Russian flags both in Kano and Abuja, following the commencement of the protest on August 1.
In attendance were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello; the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke; spokesperson, Department of State Security Service (DSS), Peter Afunaya, among others.
Tuggar said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the campaign against military dictatorship in the 1990s and believed in a democracy, in Nigeria’s democracy that freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the right to dissent are fundamental.
Tuggar, however, said Nigeria is a country under the rule of law and no one can tolerate the thuggish behaviour of fringe elements and those who stand behind them.
He also said that while the government continues to work hard through the various reform programmes and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind the Diplomatic Corps that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens.
“Nigeria is not an exception. The government will take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.”
Tuggar further said Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsists between her and the individual countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted, such relationships.
“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country to achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad,” Tuggar stated.
Earlier, Tuggar said the briefing was important because of the level of misinformation that has flourished on social media and other sources about the challenges the country faces and the genuine efforts made by the Federal government to deliver and support a range of long overdue reforms to make a better life for all Nigerians.
He recalled that a few weeks ago, a group of Nigerians notified the government over the planned nationwide protests beginning from 1st to 10th of August 2024.
Tuggar added that the group urged the government to address the rising cost of living and hunger in the land, combat insecurity, reduce waste in governance, and release all those still in detention in connection with the ‘EndSARS’ protest movement in 2020.
He said the group also called for the protection of farms and farmers, declaration of a state of emergency on education, institution of electoral reforms, establishment of a living wage and amendment of the Constitution to allow for referendums.
He stated that in a bid to minimise the risk of violent disorder and to innocent life and property, President Tinubu, held meetings with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including State Governors, traditional rulers and religious leaders, as well as other groups.
Tuggar further said President Tinubu called on the organizers to be patient with his government, as it works to address Nigeria’s challenges.
“He urged them to understand that there could be no ‘instant fix’ to the legacy of decay that he inherited. He said that reforms by his administration were sincere and well thought out, and would succeed in the long run at creating a better platform for jobs, prosperity, security – and the stable democracy that Nigeria deserves,” he added.
Tuggar told the Diplomatic Corps that rather than back down, the organizers of the protests promised that the protest would be peaceful, listed out the various venues to be used, and requested the police to provide adequate coverage and protection to ensure peaceful and crisis-free protests.
He stated that contrary to their promise, some of the protesters unleashed violence and turmoil in some parts of the country with wanton destruction of properties and bloodshed leading to loss of lives, saying that as is common in many parts of the world, the line between legitimate protest as a fundamental pillar of democracy, and criminal damage, thuggery and violent disorder, can quickly be crossed.
He listed the various economic interventions by the Tinubu administration since assumption of office, particularly removal of fuel subsidies and abolition of multiple foreign Exchange System, government revenue, debt service, infrastructure, oil and gas, Student Loans and Consumer Credit Corporation, among others.
In his remarks, Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu’s reforms are aimed at addressing past mistakes. He said the primary goal of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is to rectify poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have historically hindered Nigeria’s progress.
“Tinubu is addressing the poor policies and dysfunctional choices with bold and effective solutions, and not to impose hardship on Nigerians. Tinubu is determined to implement reforms that would drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all citizens, stressing that the current challenges are only temporary.
“It is important to kick off on this note: that President Tinubu did not come to office to cause hardship or make life difficult for Nigerians.
“He has come to office with bold solutions to historical problems; with the determination to correct many of the poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have held us back as a nation for decades.
“The president assumed office during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods in its history, where the country was spending 97 per cent of all its revenue on debt service.
“This is coupled with widespread poverty, rising unemployment, dilapidated infrastructure, and insecurity.”
Faced with these daunting realities, he said the administration took decisive action and implemented long-overdue reforms to save the economy from collapse.
The minister said for decades, the costly, wasteful and unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had denied Nigeria the opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure, social service, and the welfare of its citizens.
He added that as a result of the waste, Tinubu took a very painful decision to abolish the fuel subsidy.
“He then redirected the funds towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, which directly impact citizens’ well-being and the development of the country.”
The minister explained that Tinubu was not under any illusion that the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates would not come with some transitional pains.
“That informed the decision of the Federal Government to design comprehensive intervention programmes to cushion the transitional pains.
“We have been very determined about ensuring that these interventions are fully implemented, and bring the intended relief to Nigerians,” he said.
On the nationwide protest, Idris said the government respects the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, which are cornerstones of all democratic societies.
“But what began as a peaceful protest in some states and the Federal Capital Territory, was hijacked by elements who infiltrated the protest and orchestrated violent activities that destroyed lives and properties.
“There were reports of arson, vandalism, looting, and clashes with law enforcement agents in several cities. Tragically, these incidents led to the loss of innocent lives and significant damage to properties,”he said.
Idris, assured that the worst is over, adding that the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the violence that occurred during the protest in order to identify and bring to justice all those responsible.
“We are committed to preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future.”
On his part, Afunaya said the DSS will continue to discharge its obligations and responsibilities and their operations must be governed by democratic protocols.
He urged the envoys not to offer their countries to deviants and terrorists to disturb the peace of Nigeria.
During the question and answer session, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, sought clarification regarding persons placed on watch list by the government.
Responding, Afunaya said the statement the ambassador referred to was made by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, who was not at the briefing and would be in a better position to respond to the issue.
He however said Mills has unhindered access to the DSS and some of the issues pertaining to his question, he can take advantage of his relationship with the service to get more information on any of such, including any of the embassies.