President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a  nationwide address on Sunday, calling on Nigerians to embrace peace and be patient with his administration.

In a swift reaction, a faith-based human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), appealed to Nigerian youths and the organisers of the ongoing hunger protest to listen to the father of the nation by accepting the offer of dialogue made by him in the interest of peace and progress.

MURIC’s appeal was contained in a press release circulated to the media on Sunday, by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation today, Sunday, 4th August, 2024. It was a moment for sober reflection as his speech was deep, revealing, thought-provoking and full of hope.

“His speech came in response to appeals by well-meaning Nigerians who advised the president to address issues raised by protesters.

“MURIC appeals to Nigerian youths and the organisers of the ongoing hunger protest to listen to the father of the nation by accepting the offer of dialogue made by him in the interest of peace and the progress of our dear country.

“This is the time for leaders of the protests to make themselves available for meaningful dialogue between them and government officials on the way forward. Such dialogue will be an avenue for better understanding of efforts being made by government to ameliorate hardship in the country. It will also serve as an opportunity for leaders to add their own inputs where necessary.

“MURIC appeals to the leaders not to allow themselves to be used to extend the protest period beyond today, Sunday, 4th August 2024. They should call off the protest as a mark of respect for the father of the nation and in response to the president’s nationwide address.”