Cardinal John Onaiyekan, along with Arewa youths and various civil society organizations, has issued a strong call for the immediate release of protesters detained during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Nigeria.
They argue that the government must prioritize dialogue with the protesters, starting with the release of those arrested for peacefully expressing their grievances.
The protests, which have entered their sixth day, focus on urgent demands for economic reform and better governance, including the reinstatement of fuel subsidies and reductions in public officials’ salaries.
The coalition of 13 civil society organizations emphasizes that any meaningful dialogue must be sincere and involve representatives from both sides.
They warn that ongoing violence from security forces could hinder these discussions.
Reports indicate that police have used excessive force against demonstrators, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths.
The organizations stress that the government must recognize the sovereignty of the people and engage with their demands to foster trust and restore public confidence in governance.