The Federal Government has told the diplomatic community in Nigeria to avoid getting involved in the nationwide hunger protest.
It also called for support from the community in tackling economic challenges and ensuring better life for Nigerians at home and abroad.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the briefing of members of the diplomatic corps on the programme and policies of the government.
Tuggar, who spoke on the aftermath of the protest, said Nigeria is a country under the rule of law and assured that the government would do all it can to protect its citizenry.
“While government continues to work hard through various reforms to address challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and its citizens,” he emphasised.
“Government will take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria found to have directly or indirectly supported protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs.
“Nigeria cherishes and will continue to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her, your 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 government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country. To achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad.”
He reassured the diplomats that President Bola Tinubu is aware of the hardship that sparked the protest and has commiserated with the families and relations of those who died, while promising to address concerns of Nigerians.
The minister restated Tinubu’s appeal particularly to youths, advising them not to let violence and destruction tear the country apart as willingness to proffer solutions to issues that surround the protests.
He recalled that Tinubu had led a campaign against military dictatorship in Nigeria in the 1990s and believes in Nigeria’s democracy that freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the right to dissent are fundamental.
“While admitting there have been many dashed hopes in the past, Tinubu affirmed Nigeria is in a new era of Renewed Hope as the government is working hard,” Tuggar added.
“The results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy. Consequently, the President has directed that the security operatives continue to maintain peace, law, and order in the country as the safety and security of all Nigerians is paramount.’’
Russia recently had to distance itself from the #EndBadGovernance protest after its flags were waved by dozens of protesters in Kano.
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