The Speaker made this statement in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service in the wake of Nigerians’ current protests, which started on Thursday and involved many young people in particular.
Nigerians demonstrating in the streets are asked to stop, according to Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, since government representatives are now debating the problems that confront the nation.
After meeting with the youth at a town hall meeting on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas said he has since forwarded the complaints and demands made by the youth to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Speaker made this statement in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service in the wake of Nigerians’ current protests, which started on Thursday and involved many young people in particular.
Speaker Abbas recalled how he led the House to engage with leaders and representatives of various youth organisations at the National Assembly, noting that he had fruitful deliberations with over 25 youth groups.
He said after listening to their complaints and demands, he communicated the same to President Tinubu to find solutions.
“We have already started reporting what we discussed with the youths to the President. He was okay with our discussion, and he was equally happy with what we did. He also assured me that he would do his best to see that all the issues raised are well addressed one after the other.
“We’ll continue to engage with the President on every issue that we know will affect the lives of Nigerians so that necessary measures can be taken. I, therefore, call on all Nigerians, young and old, men and women, to be cautious. We shouldn’t allow the protests to destroy our country,” the Speaker said.
He stated that Nigerians have the right to peaceful protest, but history has shown that in most cases, even in advanced countries, unpatriotic elements hijack protests and cause the destruction of lives and property.
Speaker Abbas also noted that the House is aware of the state of the nation, and that the Tinubu administration is working hard to address insecurity, inflation, and unemployment in the country, adding that Nigerians will soon start seeing positive changes.
He said some ministers from key sectors were part of the engagement, where they offered explanations to the youth on what the government was doing to address their