A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the #Endbadgovernance protesters, to shun violence and give peace a chance in the country.
While addressing the tragic loss of lives during the nationwide hunger and hardship protest which commenced on Thursday, Obi in a statement late Friday via X, emphasised the importance of peaceful demonstrations.
Obi stated, “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.”
Acknowledging the protesters’ demands, Obi expressed hope that their voices would be heard, saying, “I do hope that their legitimate demands, within the law, will not go unanswered.”
He urged protesters to maintain a peaceful approach, stating, “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.”
Obi also called on security agencies to exercise restraint in their response to the protests.
“I also call on the security agencies to remain civil in their security of lives and property in the ongoing protests,” he said.
Obi further expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects.
“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,” he stated.
No fewer than 17 persons are feared to have lost their lives in the violence that have erupted as violence erupted in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna and Jigawa states during the protests.
Businesses and banks were shut, while major roads were deserted. The protest continued Friday as the police and protesters clashed in different parts of the country.
