Nigeria As Protests Escalate, Ezekwesili Outlines Actions for Tinubu and Governors

Oby Ezekwesili urges President Tinubu and governors to engage with protesters and address Nigeria's governance crisis amid ongoing hunger protests. She calls for immediate action and long-term reform.

In a critical statement addressing the ongoing nationwide protests, former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has outlined three crucial actions President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria's 36 state governors must undertake to address the country’s governance crisis. Her remarks come as protests against hunger and economic hardship enter their sixth day.

Ezekwesili criticized the current administration and state governors for their handling of the crisis, accusing them of attempting to suppress dissent rather than addressing the root causes of public discontent. She condemned efforts by authorities to silence protesters through intimidation and violence, describing these actions as an empathy deficit that has only strengthened the resolve of demonstrators.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Ezekwesili emphasized the urgent need for leaders to engage directly with citizens. She urged Tinubu and state governors to visit protest sites across the country to listen to the demands of the people firsthand. “The time is now for leaders to connect with their citizens,” Ezekwesili asserted. “Do not isolate yourselves behind high gates while your citizens suffer from economic hardship.”

Ezekwesili’s recommendations include:

1. Engagement: Leaders must actively listen to protesters, engage in dialogue, and address their immediate grievances.
2. Transparency: Authorities should present a clear and convincing plan of action to address both short-term and long-term issues affecting the public.
3. Opportunity for Reform: The current crisis should be seen as a chance to reset Nigeria’s governance structure. Ezekwesili called for a national conversation aimed at creating a more effective and equitable governance system.

She emphasized that the current unrest reflects deeper structural problems within the country, which require a comprehensive and credible plan for reform. Ezekwesili’s call to action reflects a growing demand for accountability and effective governance as Nigerians grapple with economic challenges.

As the protests continue, the pressure mounts on Tinubu and state governors to heed Ezekwesili’s advice and take decisive steps to address the nation’s governance issues.