Hardship Protest: Ezekwesili Warns Government Against Escalating Protests into Violence

Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has recently spoken out about the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, asserting that only the Nigerian government and its supporters have the potential to escalate these demonstrations into violence. In her statements, Ezekwesili urged both the federal and state governments to view the protests as an opportunity for genuine self-examination and improvement rather than seeing them as a threat.
In a detailed post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ezekwesili addressed the Nigerian government, urging it to fully protect citizens who are exercising their constitutional right to protest against poor governance. She emphasized that the government’s response to these protests will be crucial in determining whether the situation remains peaceful or turns violent.

Ezekwesili highlighted the core reason behind the protests: widespread frustration and anger among Nigerians. According to her, the protests are driven by a deep sense of hunger and dissatisfaction with the current state of governance. The people are essentially expressing their dire need for change and improvements in their living conditions. Ezekwesili urged the government to listen to these grievances and act appropriately to address them.
She stressed that the protests are not merely an expression of anger but a call for action. The government, she said, should use this moment as an opportunity for deep introspection. Instead of reacting defensively or aggressively, the authorities should consider the underlying issues that have led to this widespread discontent and work on developing credible and effective responses to the public’s demands.
Ezekwesili specifically called on various levels of government, including the federal and state governments, as well as lawmakers at both national and state levels, to take this expression of dissatisfaction seriously. She urged them to reflect on their actions, produce evidence-based responses, and outline clear plans of action to address the citizens’ concerns. This approach, she suggested, would not only help in resolving the current unrest but also build trust between the government and the people.

Additionally, Ezekwesili emphasized the role of the Nigerian President in ensuring that the rights of protesters are fully protected. She stated that it is the President’s duty to make sure that all citizens who wish to protest against bad governance are safe and able to express their views without fear of violence or repression.
In her post, Ezekwesili also called on the Nigerian Police to conduct themselves correctly and ensure they are serving the people’s best interests. She stressed that it is crucial for the police to handle the situation with care and avoid any actions that could further inflame tensions.
Moreover, Ezekwesili reminded the Nigerian Army of its responsibility to respect the rights of citizens and not to misuse its power. She asserted that any abuse of power by the military would be unacceptable and would only add to the grievances of the people. Her statement serves as a reminder to all security forces that their primary role is to protect and serve the public, not to suppress their rights.
Ultimately, Ezekwesili’s message was clear: the Nigerian government must take proactive steps to address the root causes of the protests and engage constructively with the people. By doing so, the government can prevent the situation from escalating into violence and work towards meaningful improvements in governance that address the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Ezekwesili’s call to action emphasizes the importance of listening to the public’s grievances, ensuring the protection of protesters, and taking meaningful steps towards addressing the issues that have sparked widespread discontent. Her message underscores the need for a thoughtful and measured response from the government to prevent further unrest and work towards a more responsive and effective governance.