How to read this story
Politics
Governance Watch
Nigeria
Institutions, accountability, service delivery and state capacity
#EndBadGovernance Protest: Nigerians On Path Of Victory, Oby Ezekwesili Says
Victory Is Imminent For The Protesters
Oby Ezekwesili, Former Minister of Education under the Administration of Goodluck Jonathan has aired her assertion on the ongoing nationwide protest.
Nigerians are winning despite several efforts by the Nigerian Government to topple the protest, she said.
Her post on her verified social media handle, reads, “With the people of Nigeria. Is it not now evident that the Citizens of our country have already won this?
“How else can one explain this massive counter-operation of @NigeriaGov to muzzle Citizens and quell a protest that is themed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria?
“Wisdom should have the Nigerian Political Class know that historically, no force on earth has ever successfully oppressed a people permanently.
“Bad Governance has factually oppressed and destroyed the lives and future of Citizens. When the People then muster the courage to ask that you stop it, listen! All these attempts to throw the kitchen sink at the people is unwise. Tragically unwise.
#EndBadGovernance Protest: Victory Coming, Says Oby Ezekwesili
She furthered by advising the present administration to learn from ongoing nationwide protest and address issues put forward by the demonstrators.
“Two Wise Game-changing Moves that the @NGRPresident @nassnigeria @NGRSenate @HouseNGR, Governors and State Assemblies can make out of the #EndBadGovernaceInNigeriaProtests.
“Use it as the Golden Moment of Opportunity for a Reset of Nigeria being offered by our Citizens! Launch a Credible National Conversation on the most Effective Structure and Direction for Good Governance in Nigeria at all Levels for productivity, competitiveness, prosperity, justice, equity, equality, order, peace, harmony, stability and resilience.
“Come out to the Protest Grounds all over the Country and engage your Citizens. Hear them express their demands to you directly. Do not lock yourselves away behind the High Gates of your publicly-funded State and Government houses enjoying indulgent lives while your Citizens are crying out in pain from the severity of economic hardship. Come out!
“Whether you do right or continue to do wrong by your people is entirely your Choice, Nigerian Governments led by @officialABAT.
“As for the Nigerian People, the die is now cast and the Rubicon is also now crossed on the matter of their knowledge of the supremacy of their collective Power over that of the Politicians, their Governments and the Bad Governance they give daily.
“It is easy to understand this. Between the People and their Politicians, who is fretting with Fear over the Protest,” She said.
Reactions from various quarters trail the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest as the heads of religious organisations cannot hold back their distaste at the ongoing demonstration by the aggrieved Nigerian Youth who seek to break loose from the shackles of bad Governance militating against the hope of their future.
#EndBadGovernance: Sultan, CAN President Seek Immediate End
The Heads of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC), Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh have both called on the conveners and demonstrators of the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest to call it quit.
The call was made on Friday in a statement made in the presence Executive Secretary of the organization (NIREC), Professor Cornelius Afebu Omomokhua.
It is reported that tens of the protesters have been killed and sustained various degrees of injury, two days into the 10-days #EndBadGovernance Protest over economic hardship, insecurity among others.
The statement reads, “The NIREC observes with heavy heart the happenings in the country at the moment. The protest that commenced in a peaceful manner on Thursday, August 1, 2024 despite pleas from all quarters, took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day.
“In just a few hours lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario,” the statement read.
The religious body attests that there is hardship in the country at the moment, but causing chaos, unrest, looting and destruction of properties, in the guise of protesting, is never the solution but deteriorate the worsening situation.
“NIREC hereby calls on fellow citizens of Nigeria to please call off this protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself.
“In just one day lives and enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period of time, only God knows the extent of damage that would be incurred,” the council said.
The group also charged all security personnel to be more civil and professional discharging their duties. Furthering, Government is also implored to be more committed to meeting the demands and needs of the protesters.
“We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own,” NIREC said.
Meanwhile, in the segment of the report, as it can be recalled, Leaders in the Southeastern region of Nigeria called on their residents to jettison the planned #EndBadGovernance which commenced on Thursday, the 1st August, 2024.
Credit – APC
Expressing his gratitude, the Governor of Imo state and Chairman of the Southeastern Governors’ Forum, His Excellency Hope Uzodimma has thanked the Igbos for not taking parts in the ongoing nationwide protest against bad Governance.
Uzodimma said, “I commend our people of the South Eastern region for heeding our appeal not to join the nationwide protest. Your wisdom in recognizing the potential danger of hijackers targeting peaceful demonstrators is truly commendable.
“While peaceful protest is undoubtedly a right of the people, your decision to prioritize safety and stability showcases great prudence.
“It is unfortunate that those who contributed to our current economic challenges, are now the ones sponsoring protests instead of working with FG for resolution.
Commending the President, Bola Tinubu, on his courage and focus, he continued,
“This reaction comes simply because we have a President who is courageous enough to dismantle the entrenched cabal exploiting our common resources.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown compassion and determination in addressing the inherited challenges. He deserves our unwavering support as he works towards a more prosperous future. Let us stand united in this mission with dialogue, which remains the best path to achieving our demands,” He concluded.
#EndBadGovernance Protest: Victory Coming, Says Oby Ezekwesili
