Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives during the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. He emphasized the necessity of peaceful demonstrations while addressing the nation’s call for reform.
In a recent statement, Obi expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost amid the protests, stating, “I wish to most sincerely pass my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. I deeply mourn these brothers and sisters of ours, who have lost their lives in their struggle for a better nation.”
Recognizing the protesters’ legitimate demands, Obi remains hopeful that their voices will be acknowledged. “I do hope that their legitimate demands, within the law, will not go unanswered,” he conveyed.
Encouraging peace and civility, Obi urged demonstrators to pursue their objectives without violence. “I will continue to urge the protesters to be of good behaviour and remain peaceful in their actions. I encourage them to shun every form of violence, as we cannot build a new nation by destroying what we already have,” he stated.
Obi further called on security forces to exercise restraint during this critical period. “I also call on the security agencies to remain civil in their security of lives and property in the ongoing protests,” he added.
Expressing optimism for Nigeria’s future, Obi noted, “I sincerely believe in my heart that Nigeria will, in the future, rise, and the issues of hunger, poverty, insecurity, corruption, and mismanagement of public funds will be confined to the past. Then, Nigeria will be one of the exemplary countries on earth, leading in human and national development.”
Reports indicate that the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests commenced on Thursday, with at least 17 fatalities reported as unrest unfolded across Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa states. Many businesses and banks were closed, resulting in deserted roads.
The confrontations between the police and protesters persisted into Friday. In response to the escalating violence, the Nigerian military has announced its readiness to intervene should the situation deteriorate further. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, expressed that the military would act to restore order and curb the looting and unrest occurring in various regions of the country.
