Former Nigerian Deputy Governor Calls for Peace and Dialogue Amidst Hunger Protest
In a bid to resolve the ongoing hunger protest in Nigeria, former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has urged the promoters of the protest and Nigerian youths to embrace peace and tranquility. Madumere made this appeal while addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The former Deputy Governor acknowledged that the voices of the protesters have been heard across the country and urged them to accept the olive branch extended by President Bola Tinubu in his broadcast, which called for mutual dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions to their demands. Madumere emphasized that it is better to "jaw-jaw than to war-war" and advised the Federal Government to establish seamless channels of communication with the promoters of the hunger protest.
According to Madumere, citizens have the right to protest in a civil manner, and once their voices resonate and the authorities listen to their grievances, the next step is to call off the protest and engage in mutually beneficial deliberations guided by unity of purpose for sustainable development. He urged the youths and promoters of the hunger protest to embrace peace, dialogue with the federal government, and President Tinubu, who he described as a listening father.
Madumere also commended stakeholders from the South East region and the South East Governors for their efforts in preventing the protest in the zone, emphasizing that meaningful development requires absolute decorum. He praised the South East youths for heeding the voice of reason and maintaining calmness while challenging stakeholders.
Reacting to recent comments urging the Igbo to leave Lagos State, Madumere stressed that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside anywhere in the country. He asserted that no citizen can unilaterally demand that the Igbo relocate and commended President Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor Uzodimma, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their swift interventions.
Madumere urged elder statesmen, critical stakeholders, and captains of industry to lend their experience and support President Tinubu in navigating the current challenges. He emphasized that supporting the president during this period would ultimately contribute to the realization of a nation that reflects the collective hopes and aspirations of its people.
The former Imo Deputy Governor extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones during the ongoing protest and prayed for them to find the fortitude to bear their loss. He encouraged Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration and trust in the president’s capacity, acumen, and dexterity, noting that this would lead to the realization of a nation aligned with their collective dreams and aspirations.
