Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has termed the ongoing nationwide protests against the country’s economic woes as noteworthy.
Even as he chided the Nigerian government to listen to the people and get off its high horse, he insisted that it was time to demonstrate a genuine commitment to fulfilling the protesters’ demands.
Atiku stated that the demonstration has created an important outlet for the public to express dissatisfaction with government actions.
In a tweet on his X handle on Friday, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the previous general election, said protestors had acted with remarkable peace and should be praised for their discipline and determination.
He also urged the security agencies to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting.
Atiku’s words partly read: “The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation.
“For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police.”
“To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency. -AA”
