Atedo Peterside, founder of the Anap Foundation, has called for an end to the ongoing protests against harsh living conditions in Nigeria.
The demonstrations, which began last Thursday, have prompted President Bola Tinubu to address the nation on Sunday.
Peterside took to social media platform X to plead with protesters, saying, “I doff my hat to those of you who have been protesting peacefully since 01 August. You have shaken Nigeria to the core and dispelled the falsehood that many of our youths are not politically active and/or do not care to demand good governance. I beg you in the name of God to please call off the protest now.”
He further urged, “Please end the protests today (Sunday). Poor Nigerians cannot endure protests for more than a few days. You have made your point. Your massive turnout has frightened many people. FG is not deaf.”
Acknowledging the President’s address, Peterside added, “The President has spoken this morning. Perhaps even the Legislators have heard you also. If they collectively fail to significantly reduce the cost of governance, stop wasteful expenditures, and tighten their own belts or lead by example, please then re-strategise, regroup, and call them to order again. God bless you all.”
Despite these pleas, demonstrators have stated they are not backing down.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Tinubu’s speech. PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba stated, “The PDP asserts that the speech by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the ongoing protests in the country clearly confirms the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s insensitivity towards Nigerians and the very precarious situation in the country.”
The PDP further expressed disappointment, saying, “Our Party is appalled that despite the fact that it took President Tinubu the prodding of the PDP to speak to the nation, it is distressing that the speech failed to offer any concrete measure to address the excruciating hardship in the country.”
