Ezekwesili Backs Protest, Says Citizens Are Distressed

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has said the August planned protest by youths is a result of distress caused by government economic policies.

Oby Ezekwesili said even though the citizens blamed the biting economic hardship on bad governance, political leaders have shown no empathy.

In a statement on Wednesday titled “My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens”, Ezekwesili called on the government to engage the citizens by addressing economic challenges.

“All reasonable people know that 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.

“Unfortunately, the language and actions of politicians, public officials and their allies to the distress of citizens are far from democratic and empathetic.

“I hope the Nigeria 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 said.

She cautioned the federal and state governments against using security agencies to attack the protesters. She called on the governments not to waste the opportunity to address youths days before the planned protest.

Ezekwesili added that politicians must apply humility and listen to youths. She advised against a repeat of the experience of Endsars protest. She said political leaders must be ready to learn from the agitations and concerns raised by the citizens.

“I urge the Nigeria President, Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives leadership and members as well as Governors across the country to not waste the golden opportunity that the planned protests are offering them as holders of public positions.

“Use this opportunity of the planned protests to engage your dissatisfied and disaffected young citizens with utmost civility.

“Ensure that the protesters are protected and supported by the Police and related agencies like the Civil Defense Corp to protest peacefully and orderly in presenting their demands and agitations to the authorities. Be guided by the terrible lessons of the mishandling of EndSARSProtests.

“Respond to the protesters with a convincing pathway and plan to achieve good governance on each specific issue they are protesting against or for at this time.”