Former Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili has expressed her support for the planned August protest by youths, attributing their actions to widespread distress caused by current economic policies. In a statement titled “My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens,” Ezekwesili criticized political leaders for their lack of empathy towards the economic hardships faced by citizens, particularly the youth.
Ezekwesili urged the government to engage with citizens by addressing their economic grievances. She noted that while many citizens blame the severe economic situation on poor governance, the response from politicians has been neither democratic nor empathetic.
She cautioned against using security forces to suppress the protestors and emphasized the need for the government to seize the opportunity to address the youth’s concerns. Ezekwesili advised against repeating the mistakes made during the EndSARS protests and called for a respectful and constructive dialogue with the youth.
The former minister appealed to the President, the National Assembly, and state governors to use the protest as a chance to engage with young citizens and address their issues with concrete plans for improved governance. She urged the authorities to ensure the protection and support of peaceful protesters, learning from past mistakes to foster a more responsive and responsible government.
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