FACT-CHECK: Did President Tinubu send a threat message to #EndBadGovernance protesters?

Claim:President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a threat message to citizens.

Verdict: False.

Full Text:

A graphic message making the rounds on social media claims President Tinubu has sent a threat message to citizens.

The graphic featured the picture of the president and a protest scene, with the text: “Bad Governance Protest: Nigeria President Sends Threat To Citizens”.

Ripples Nigeria reported that thousands of Nigerians have trooped to the streets since August 1 to protest against economic hardship in the country.

The peaceful demonstration has turned violent in some parts of the country as some people looted government and residents’ properties. Amnesty International has also claimed that 13 people were killed on day 1 of the protest.

Also, altercations have occurred between demonstrators and police officers in many places, including the capital city of Abuja, with the army warning that it may step in if violence persists as citizens insist the protest will continue for 7 days.

READ ALSO:FACT CHECK: Is video showing ‘Say No To Protest’ women receiving money authentic?

Verification:

Ripples Nigeria reports that since the commencement of the protest, President Tinubu did not address Nigerians directly.

He, however, addressed the nation on Sunday morning, 4th August, at which point he acknowledged that Nigerians had the right to protest, spoke against those using the protest as an avenue to cause mayhem and chaos.

A viral graphic online with false information

The president said during his broadcast: “To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.”

Conclusion:

The viral claim on social media that President Tinubu threatened #EndBadGovernance protesters is false.

By Quadri Yahya

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