Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Katryn Ezekwesili, has highlighted that only the Nigerian government and its supporters have the potential to escalate the EndBadGovernance protest into a violent confrontation.
Ezekwesili has called on both the Nigerian federal and state governments to view the protest as a crucial moment for self-reflection and reform. She emphasized the importance of protecting protesters who are voicing their frustrations.
In a post on social media platform X, Ezekwesili stated: “As we can all already see, the only group that will turn the #EndBadGovernanceProtest into the ‘bloody affair’ that @NigeriaGov propagandists are predicting and prophesying is the Government and its supporters.”
She continued, “The people are simply saying ‘We are hungry and therefore angry.’ We want you to understand this and act appropriately to address our problems. It’s straightforward. Once again, I urge the Nigerian government, state governments, governors, lawmakers, and state assemblies to use this nationwide expression of dissatisfaction as a moment for deep introspection.”
Ezekwesili urged the authorities to reflect on their actions and provide clear, evidence-based responses and action plans to meet the citizens’ demands. She also emphasized that the President of Nigeria has a duty to ensure the full protection of citizens who are exercising their constitutional right to protest against bad governance.
She reminded the Nigerian Police Force to act in the best interest of the people and warned the Nigerian Army against violating citizens’ rights. Ezekwesili concluded with a strong message of hope, asserting that Nigerian citizens will ultimately prevail in their quest for better governance.
