Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has voiced her support for the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, urging federal and state governments to respond with civility and empathy.
In a statement titled ‘My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens’, posted on X on Thursday, Ezekwesili underscored the severe economic hardships faced by 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 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.
She criticized the undemocratic and unsympathetic reactions of politicians, public officials, and their allies, noting that the announcement of the protests has already caused anxiety 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.
As the Bring Back Our Girls Convener, Ezekwesili called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and state governors to use the protests as an opportunity to engage with the discontented youth.
She emphasized the importance of safeguarding the protesters to ensure 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 to achieve good governance on the issues being raised.
She stressed the necessity 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.
