Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has endorsed the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, urging federal and state governments to approach the situation with civility and empathy.
In a statement titled “My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens” posted on X on Thursday, Ezekwesili highlighted the severe economic hardships affecting many Nigerians, particularly the youth.
“All reasonable people know that the majority of our citizens—especially the young ones—are distressed on many counts, from the biting economic hardship that is prevalent in the country today. They blame it on bad governance and are therefore demanding an end to it,” she stated.
Ezekwesili criticized the responses of politicians, public officials, and their allies, describing them as undemocratic and lacking empathy. She noted that news of the planned protests has already caused agitation among government officials.
“I hope the Federal Government and its allies can quickly and wisely cease from threatening those among our citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional right of expression, association, and movement through a nationwide protest,” she urged.
The Bring Back Our Girls Convener called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and state governors to engage with the dissatisfied youths. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the protesters’ safety and support to maintain peaceful demonstrations.
“Ensure that the protesters are protected and supported by the police and related agencies like the Civil Defence Corps to protest peacefully and orderly in presenting their demands and agitations to the authorities. Be guided by the terrible lessons of the mishandling of the #EndSARS protests,” she advised.
Ezekwesili also recommended that the government respond to the protesters with a clear plan for achieving good governance on the issues raised. She stressed the need for politicians and public officials to listen and learn from their citizens.
“I hope that our politicians and public officials will heed counsel and allow themselves the humility of listening and learning from their citizens at a time like this,” she added.
