President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration will uphold democratic principles, including the right to protest, but will not condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
“In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” Tinubu stated when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the exchange at the ceremony in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu receives U.S. ambassador, underscores the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions.’
Tinubu said this on the backdrop of growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1, 2024.
The President said, “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.
“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”
He also described Nigeria-US relations as “rich,” committing to uphold democracy.
