Here are 5 takeaways from President Muhammadu Buhari’s nationwide broadcast

Here are 5 takeaways from President Muhammadu Buhari’s nationwide broadcast

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari made a nationwide broadcast on Thursday and these are the five major takeaways from the 27-paragraph speech.

A. Expressed regret and pain at the loss of live and property:
“All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.”

B. Warned against spreading of fake news:
“The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.”

C. Promised upward review of the salaries of police officers and other paramilitary services:

“With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.”

D. Appealed to the international community to seek for facts before reacting to issues concerning Nigeria:

“To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.”

E. Called for an immediate end to the protests and for constructive engagement with the government:

“I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.”