Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing Abuja, has urged the federal government to address the demands and concerns raised by Nigerians during the 10-day EndBadGovernance protest.
The demonstrations, which began on August 1, were a response to what many citizens perceive as poor governance and widespread hardship across the nation.
The protests, which took place in various parts of the country, resulted in several fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting widespread concern.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senator Kingibe expressed her dismay at the loss of life and the excessive use of force by security agencies against peaceful protesters.
She urged the federal government to engage meaningfully with the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the issues raised.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones during these demonstrations. My thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy, and I wish a quick and full recovery to those who have been injured,” Kingibe said.
She emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the protests, noting that the demands of the protesters, which include calls for a corruption-free fuel subsidy and improved leadership, are urgent and legitimate.
Kingibe highlighted the widespread frustration felt by many Nigerians, including herself, and stressed that the government must adopt a more empathetic and dialogue-driven approach to resolving these concerns.
“I am deeply concerned about the excessive use of force by the police and other security agencies against peaceful protesters. Such actions are counterproductive and do not contribute to resolving the issues at hand,” she said.
“It is essential for President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to engage meaningfully with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address these concerns.”
Kingibe also reminded public officials of their duty to listen to the people who put them in office, stating that the voice of the people should not be ignored.
She assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that she would remain a steadfast advocate for their needs and concerns in the Senate.
“I commend you for the peaceful manner in which you have conducted yourselves during these protests and thank you for your resilience and civility,” she added.
“Together, let us work towards solutions that address the issues at hand and bring about the positive change we all seek.”