As the #EndBadGovernance protests enter their third day nationwide, key political and labor figures have urged President Bola Tinubu to engage in sincere dialogue with the protest leaders.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by its Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, reaffirmed its stance on dialogue as the most effective way to resolve social disputes. “We find it necessary to reiterate that on our statements of July 22nd and 23rd, 2024, we had advised the government to dialogue with the leaders instead of engaging in unhelpful rhetoric, as it was within their constitutional rights to protest. Our position on government meeting with and engaging in sincere dialogue with the leaders of this action remains unchanged. It’s the best way to go.”
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, described the protests as significant and urged the government to listen to the people’s voices. He stated, “The protests have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies. The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency.”
Atiku commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and urged security agencies to professionally manage the situation. “Protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest.”
Atiku also emphasized the need for security agencies to isolate violent elements among the protesters and refrain from unnecessary brutality. “The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order.”
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also advised President Tinubu to address the nation directly. In a statement by his media aide, Tanko Yunusa, Obi said, “My appeal is for the President to come out and address the nation. He is the one the people elected, holding their mandate, and he should not be using aides or appointees to reach the people at such critical times.”
Obi acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters’ demands and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives or were injured in the protests. “The demands of the protesters are legitimate but must be pursued within the law.”
The calls for dialogue come amidst growing tensions and reports of violence during the protests. The NLC, Atiku, and Obi’s appeals aim to foster a peaceful resolution and address the concerns driving the nationwide demonstrations.
