Onyejeocha to Nigerians: Tinubu has heard you loud and clear — end the protests

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, has asked Nigerians to suspend the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Onyejeocha said President Bola Tinubu is working towards improving the living conditions of all Nigerians.

She expressed concerns over the loss of lives during the demonstrations and advised the protesters to “sheathe their swords”.

“I’m so concerned about what happened yesterday, especially the loss of lives of our brothers and sisters who participated in the protest. My heart goes to them,” she said. 

“It is quite unfortunate that these things have to happen that way. I plead that we should sheathe our swords, embrace peace and stop at this moment.

“The president has heard everybody loud and clear. He understands the politics of this country and is aware of the yearnings and aspirations of the people.”

Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, also appealed to the protesters to “trust the Renewed Hope Agenda” and call off the protest. 

In a statement issued by Lizzy Okoji, his special assistant on media, Audu encouraged protesters to be patient with the president.

He cited intelligence reports from security and law enforcement agencies about potential plans by “miscreants” to hijack the protests and cause anarchy across the country.

The minister assured Nigerians that their expectations of good governance will be met “by the end of the president’s first term” in office.