Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has highlighted the importance of the nationwide protests against economic struggles in Nigeria. He is calling on the government to listen to the people’s voices and genuinely address their concerns.
In a post on his X account on Friday, Atiku praised the peaceful conduct of the protesters and said their actions have opened a crucial channel for people to voice their dissatisfaction with government policies.
Atiku said: “The start of public protests across the country yesterday is significant. These demonstrations give the public a crucial way to show their disapproval of government policies and push for better governance.
“Most protesters have shown great restraint and deserve recognition for their peaceful approach. However, there have been some reports of violence and clashes with the police, which is unfortunate.
“I urge protesters to keep their peaceful stance and encourage more Nigerians to join the #EndBadGovernance protest with respect and dignity. This is a key moment for us to make our voices heard without breaking the law.
“I also call on the police to handle the protests more professionally. The killing of innocent people and the harassment of journalists by security agencies is unacceptable. The police must be careful while maintaining law and order.
“Security agencies should focus on separating the few who are causing trouble and avoid letting their actions overshadow the majority of peaceful protesters.
“To the government, I say it’s time to listen to the people and stop being aloof. Show a real commitment to solving the issues that protesters are raising. We can’t afford more unrest; this is the time for leadership to act with integrity and urgency. -AA”
