Vice-President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria in August resulted in economic losses exceeding N300 billion, with most of the damage affecting private property and businesses.
Shettima made this statement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while meeting with the recently released minors involved in the protests. Their release followed an order by President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima highlighted that, despite substantial evidence against these young individuals, President Tinubu’s directive for their release was driven by his compassionate leadership style.
“Despite incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions, some of which were uploaded by the actors themselves, the president, as the father of the nation, gave these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact in a drive for a better Nigeria,” Shettima remarked.
The Vice-President advised the youth to refrain from being drawn into violent activities that cause destruction to public and private assets. “Over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly of private property and business losses,” he added.
In addition to urging the youth to steer clear of violence, Shettima called on governors and other public officials to take active steps in rehabilitating the minors, ensuring they are reintegrated as constructive members of society.
“I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across political divide, what binds us together as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides,” he stated.
Shettima affirmed his commitment to working with state governors and federal representatives to provide the necessary support and reformation for these young individuals, emphasizing the importance of their reintegration into their communities.
