By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A former Nigerian vice president has applauded protesters calling for an end to bad governance in the country, saying the government should listen to their voices as their demands are “noteworthy”.
Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 poll said the ten-day nationwide protests tagged #EndBadGovernance which seeks to draw the attention of authorities to growing hunger, high cost of living and hyper inflation rocking the West African nation, opens conversations about good governance in the country.
“The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation”, the opposition leader said on Friday in a social media post via X, formerly Twitter.
Several hundreds of Nigerians had filed out across the country seeking immediate action of the government to economic difficulties facing several families, end to official corruption and insecurity.
Arising from the removal of subsidy on petroleum by the government of Bola Tinubu on May 29 last year, prices of goods and services soared, putting several low income earners under economic pressure.
“I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest.
“This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law. I also call on the police to engage more professionally in managing these protests. The needless killing of innocent citizens by security agencies is unacceptable”, the former Vice President advised.
The protesters have faced stiff resistance from security forces, including in the nation’s capital Abuja where police officers released teargas cannisters on Thursday and Friday to disperse crowds.
At least ten persons were reported killed from across the states ,even as the president has remained silent.
“The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order. Security agencies are encouraged to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a few do not tarnish the majority of peaceful protesters.
“To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency. -AA”, Atiku added.
