Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has extended his sympathies to the families of those killed in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests across the country, while also encouraging the demonstrators to remain peaceful.
In a statement issued late Friday on X, Obi lamented the unfortunate loss of life while underscoring the significance of peaceful protests.
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.”
Supporting 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.”
The former Anambra State governor called on protesters to maintain a peaceful approach, saying, “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 urged 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 also 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.
Chronicle NG reports that the #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protest started on Thursday with no fewer than 17 people feared killed as violence erupted in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa states.
Businesses and banks were closed, while major roads were deserted.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has stated that it will interfere if the violence in some areas during the ongoing statewide demonstration increases.
During a press conference in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa stated that the military will intervene to contain the looting and violence that was taking place in various regions of the country.
