The Ex-Deputy Governor of Imo state, Prince Eze Madumere, on Monday pleaded with the promoters of the “end bad governance” protests to accept the olive branch offer to them by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
He spoke to newsmen in Owerri, while reacting to the ongoing protests in the country.
According to him, “In every democratic dispensation, the citizens enjoy the right to protest civilly and once your voice resonates and the authorities listen to your grievances, the next line of action is to call off your protest and enter into mutually beneficial deliberations, laced up with Unity of purpose for sustainable development of society.
“I urge the youths and promoters of the hunger protest to embrace peace, and dialogue with the federal government and President Tinubu as a listening father, will see reasons to accede to your demands. I call on the President to take steps and reach out to the youths, organisers of the protest and the populace, as the father of the nation”.
He also “Commended the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma and the South East governors for rallying round the youths and stakeholders in putting a halt to the protest in the zone. for us to have any meaningful development, there is a need for absolute decorum. I also commended the South East youths for listening to the voice of reasoning and maintaining absolute calmness.”
On the issue of Igbo protest, the Former deputy governor said: “Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside anywhere of his choice in the country. No citizen can unilaterally ask the Igbo to relocate. I want to commend President Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwol-Ou, governor Uzodimma and Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their swift intervention.
“Nigeria is one united entity and Igbos are peace-loving people. You have the constitutional right to reside anywhere of your choice and do legitimate business. No one has the right to pursue you from residing anywhere in the country.” (Vanguard)