Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has urged #Endbadgovernance protesters to avoid violence and embrace peace in the country.
In a statement released late Friday on X, Obi addressed the tragic loss of lives during the nationwide protest that began on Thursday in response to hunger and hardship. He highlighted the crucial need for peaceful demonstrations.
Read Also: He Is The Person That Is Elected, He Is The Person Holding The Mandate Of The People – Peter Obi Sends Fresh Message To Tinubu (VIDEO)
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.
At least 17 people are feared dead as violence broke out during protests in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa states.
