Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate during the 2023 elections, has praised the peaceful nature of the ongoing nationwide protests.
In a recent statement, Atiku encouraged protesters to uphold their peaceful approach and called on more Nigerians to join in solidarity with the “End Bad Governance” movement.
He remarked, “The initiation of public protests across the country is a significant development. These demonstrations have provided a crucial platform for citizens to voice their discontent with government policies, furthering the vital dialogue surrounding good governance in our society.
“Overall, the protesters have exhibited commendable peace, demonstrating admirable restraint and commitment. Yet, there have been isolated reports of violence, resulting in unfortunate clashes and excessive force by law enforcement.”
Atiku urged the protesters to continue their peaceful demonstrations and encouraged more citizens to join the #EndBadGovernance protest. “This is an essential moment for our collective voice to resonate, and it must be expressed with dignity and respect for the law,” he added.
He also called on the Nigeria Police to exhibit professionalism in managing the protests, condemning the loss of innocent lives at the hands of security forces. “It is unacceptable for security agencies to take the lives of innocent citizens,” he stated.
“The police must ensure they do not harass journalists who are simply covering the protests. It is crucial for law enforcement to practice restraint while maintaining order.”
Atiku urged security agencies to identify and separate the few individuals who resort to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a minority do not overshadow the majority of peaceful demonstrators.
He implored the government to show genuine commitment to addressing the protesters’ demands. “To the government, I urge you to listen to the people and step down from your lofty positions. It is time to sincerely commit to addressing the concerns raised by the protesters.
“Our nation cannot afford any more days of unrest; let this be the moment where our leaders listen and act with integrity and urgency,” Atiku concluded.
