Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led government to "come down" from their high horses and listen to the voices of the people amid ongoing protests across Nigeria. Abubakar commended the Nigerian youths participating in the #HungerProtests for their largely peaceful conduct as they voiced their grievances starting Thursday.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Abubakar urged the government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. He emphasized the need for urgent and sincere action from the leadership, stating, “The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency.”
While acknowledging the significance of the nationwide protests as a vital channel for expressing public discontent, Abubakar condemned any acts of violence and the looting of public and private property. He also criticized the police for their handling of the demonstrations, which has included reports of brutalities and unnecessary violence against innocent citizens.
“The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy,” Abubakar said. “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.”
He praised the majority of protesters for their peaceful approach and called for continued restraint and dedication to the cause. Abubakar also urged other Nigerians to show support for the peaceful protests, highlighting this as a pivotal moment for collective action.
At the same time, he called on the police to handle the situation with professionalism and restraint, emphasizing that the killing of innocent citizens and the molestation of journalists by security agencies is unacceptable. Abubakar stressed the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protesters and the minority who may resort to violence, ensuring that the actions of a few do not overshadow the peaceful majority.
The former Vice President’s statement underscores the need for dialogue and reform in response to the ongoing protests, reinforcing the call for both government and security forces to act with responsibility and respect for the rights of citizens.
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