Hunger Protests: Protesters’ Demands Are Legitimate, Address Them – FCT Senator Kingibe Advises Tinubu

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has advised President Bola Tinubu to immediately address the legitimate concerns of protesting Nigerians who took to the streets for 10 days against bad governance.

Senator Kingibe stated this on Sunday a day after the 10 days of End Bad Governance ended.

In a statement she personally signed on Sunday, she extended her “heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones during these demonstrations.”

Over 20 innocent Nigerians were killed during the protests when security agencies shot at protesters and onlookers including children during the procession.

Journalists too suffered various injuries with their vehicles riddled with bullets while some were arrested and taken to undisclosed locations.

While offering her thoughts to the “families affected by this tragedy” and wishing “a quick and full recovery to those who have been injured,” the senator noted that “the loss of life and suffering are deeply saddening, and it is crucial that we acknowledge and address these painful realities.”

She said she’s “deeply concerned about the excessive use of force by the police and other security agencies against peaceful protesters.”

Such actions, she said, are counterproductive and do not contribute to resolving the issues at hand.

She emphasised that “it is imperative that the federal government adopts a more empathetic and dialogue-driven approach to sensitive matters.”

The demands of the protesters, the senator noted, including a call for a corruption-free fuel subsidy and improved leadership, among others, are both urgent and important.

“These demands reflect the widespread frustration felt by many Nigerians, including myself,” she stated.

She stressed that “it is essential for President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to engage meaningfully with representatives of the protesters, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to address these concerns.

“We must remember that it is the people who put us in office, and it is our duty as public servants to listen and act on their concerns.

“The voice of the people is indeed the voice of God, and their demands deserve serious consideration,” she added.

The FCT senator assured the residents of the Federal Capital Territory that “I will remain a steadfast advocate for your needs and concerns in the Senate.

“I commend you for the peaceful manner in which you have conducted yourselves during these protests and thank you for your resilience and civility.

“Together, let us work towards solutions that address the issues at hand and bring about the positive change we all seek,” senator Kingibe said.