Hunger Protests: Time To Reflect, Take Action On Protesters’ Demand – Peter Obi Tells Tinubu

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take a deep reflection and take urgent steps to act on demands made by Nigerians who took to the streets for 10 days against bad governance.

Obi made the call on Sunday a day after the grand protest that ended the 10 days aggrieved Nigerians took to the streets in protest against hunger and poor state of the economy.

Across the country, Nigerians protested to draw the government’s attention to their plights and submitted demands they said would reverse the sorry state of affairs including curbing corruption, nepotism, ostentatious lifestyle of the president and other government officials, among others.

The protests took a different dimension when foreign flags including those from Russia were flown across different grounds in the North and morphed to ‘Tinubu Must Go’, a call for the president to be forced out of office.

The government said it was a coup and blamed those officials called “failed candidates of 2023 elections” for the protest.

Yet as demonstrations continued, some protesters also went berserk, looting and burning houses of their representatives and offices of the ruling All Progressives Congress forcing curfews to be declared in some states.

Over 20 people were killed including innocent children who were bystanders, watching the peaceful procession as police fired tear gas canisters and live bullets at them.

Journalists too were not spared as the police and other security agencies tear gassed, fired live bullets at them with as many as eight arrested and taken into unknown locations.

A journalist with Premium Times escaped after the police fired live bullets at his car at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Obi expressed his “deepest condolences to all who have lost their lives, including the security personnel, during these protests.”

He said those who were killed were individuals who “gave their lives while advocating for better governance in our nation.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to all the families who have suffered losses in this struggle. We all share in your grief, as we work together for the betterment of our country,” the Labour Party topman said.

While praying that “we all find the strength to endure this irreplaceable loss,” he also wished “those who are wounded and recovering in hospitals and at home” a swift recovery. He said their “sacrifices for our nation’s cause are deeply appreciated.”

He urged “all leaders to reflect on the cries of the suffering people and address their legitimate demands. It is crucial for us, the leaders, to urgently address the issues that sparked and fueled these protests.

“Addressing insecurity, fighting corruption, alleviating hardship, and combating poverty are urgent matters that require immediate attention.

“I call on all leaders to take decisive action to resolve these critical issues.

“May the deceased rest in peace, and may the injured recover fully and swiftly,” Obi said on Sunday.

He expressed optimism that “a new Nigeria remains possible.”