A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has backed the upcoming nationwide protest planned for August 1-10, 2024 urging the federal and state governments to handle the situation with civility and empathy.

In a statement titled “My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens,” and posted on X on Thursday, Ezekwesili highlighted the distress being experienced by many Nigerians, particularly the youth, due to severe economic hardships.

“All reasonable people know that the majority of our citizens—especially the young ones—are distressed on many counts, from biting economic hardship that is prevalent in the country today. They blame it on bad governance and are therefore demanding an end to it,” she stated.

She criticised the reactions of politicians, public officials, and their allies, which she described as undemocratic and lacking empathy.

She pointed out that news of the planned protests has already caused agitation among government officials.

“I hope the Federal Government and its allies can quickly and wisely cease from threatening those among our citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional right of expression, association, and movement through a nationwide protest,” she urged.

The Bring Back Our Girls Convener called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and state governors to seize the opportunity presented by the protests to engage with the dissatisfied youths.

She emphasized the importance of protecting and supporting the protesters to ensure peaceful demonstrations.

“Ensure that the protesters are protected and supported by the police and related agencies like the Civil Defence Corps to protest peacefully and orderly in presenting their demands and agitations to the authorities.

“Be guided by the terrible lessons of the mishandling of the #EndSARS protests,” she advised.

Ezekwesili also recommended that the government respond to the protesters with a clear plan to achieve good governance on the issues being raised.

She stressed the need for politicians and public officials to listen and learn from their citizens.

“I hope that our politicians and public officials will heed counsel and allow themselves the humility of listening and learning from their citizens at a time like this,” she added. (The PUNCH)