Shun violence, Obi urges #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protesters

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests across the country while urging peace from the protesters.

In a statement late Friday via X, Obi addressed the tragic loss of life while emphasising the importance of peaceful demonstrations.

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.”

The former Anambra State governor 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.

PUNCH Online 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 shut, while major roads were deserted.

The protest continued Friday as the police and protesters clashed in different parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military said it will intervene if violence recorded in some states in the ongoing nationwide protest escalates.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, during a press conference in Abuja, said the military would step in to control the looting and violence being witnessed in some parts of the country.