Addressing Young Citizens’ Distress
Oby Ezekwesili, in her statement “My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens,” highlighted the widespread distress among young Nigerians, primarily due to biting economic hardships. She emphasized that these hardships are widely attributed to poor governance, prompting demands for substantial changes.
Government’s Democratic Responsibility
Ezekwesili criticized the current government’s response to citizens’ grievances as lacking in democracy and empathy. She pointed out that the planned nationwide protests have already stirred considerable anxiety among both federal and state governments, as reflected in media reports and online discussions.
Call for Non-Threatening Engagement
The former minister appealed to the Nigerian government and its allies to stop threatening citizens who plan to exercise their constitutional rights through peaceful protests. She stressed the importance of respecting the rights to expression, association, and movement as fundamental to a functioning democracy.
Opportunity for Positive Engagement
Ezekwesili urged leaders, including the President, Senate, House of Representatives, and state governors, to view the protests not as a threat but as a valuable opportunity to engage with dissatisfied youths. She encouraged them to use this moment to demonstrate civility and a genuine willingness to address public concerns.
Recommended Actions for Government
She proposed two key actions for the government: firstly, to ensure that protesters are protected and supported by the police and Civil Defence Corps, allowing them to express their demands peacefully and orderly. Secondly, she advised the government to present a clear and convincing plan to achieve good governance in response to the issues raised by the protesters, drawing lessons from the mishandling of the #EndSARS protests.
Conclusion and Hope for Peaceful Protests
In her concluding remarks, Ezekwesili expressed hope that government officials would embrace humility, listen to, and learn from the citizens during these challenging times. She wished the protesters a well-organized, peaceful, and orderly demonstration, highlighting the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving national issues.
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