Protest: Come Down From Your High Horse, Heed The Voices Of The People – Atiku Tells Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Friday, August 2, 2024 admonished the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, to heed the voices of the people and come down from its high horse.

He said that it is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters, stressing that the nation cannot afford further days of unrest.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, said, “let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency”.

This was as he called on the police to engage more professionally in managing these protests, stressing that the needless killing of innocent citizens by security agencies is unacceptable.

Atiku who took to his X handle on Friday, warned that the police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest, adding that it is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order.

The former Vice President noted that the commencement of public protests across the country on Thursday, August 1, 2024 is noteworthy, adding that the demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation.

Atiku further said; “For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication.

“However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police.

“I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest.

“This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law.

“Security agencies are encouraged to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a few do not tarnish the majority of peaceful protesters,” he said.