The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urgently requested the #EndBadGovernance movement to halt their protests and engage in constructive dialogue. In a statement released on Tuesday, the regional organization expressed grave concern regarding the escalating protests within Nigeria.
ECOWAS condemned the violence and destruction reported during the demonstrations, which have unfortunately resulted in fatalities and damage to property. President Bola Tinubu, in response to the unrest, also called upon the protest organizers to suspend their activities, especially following incidents of violence in several states.
In its statement, ECOWAS reaffirmed the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, a right protected under the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The organization encouraged all parties involved, including protesters and relevant stakeholders, to heed the President’s invitation for inclusive dialogue aimed at resolving grievances and ensuring both peace and security within Nigeria and the broader ECOWAS region.
The Commission expressed: “The ECOWAS Commission acknowledges the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protests, as established by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Furthermore, ECOWAS welcomed President Tinubu’s State of the Nation address delivered on August 4, 2024, urging all stakeholders to take part in a dialogue that could lead to resolutions and the safeguarding of peace in Nigeria and across the ECOWAS area.
In closing, the Commission extended its heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones during this tumultuous period and expressed sympathy for the Nigerian government and its citizens affected by these tragic events.
