The former deputy governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has called on the promoters of the hunger protest and the youths of the nation to embrace peace and tranquility as their voices resonate unequivocally across the country.
He encouraged them to accept the olive branch extended by President Bola Tinubu in his broadcast, which called for mutual dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions to their various demands.
Madumere made this known on Monday while addressing newsmen in Owerri.
He stated that it is better to “jaw-jaw” than to “war-war,” advising the federal government to open seamless channels of communication with the promoters of the hunger protest.
He said: “In every democratic dispensation, citizens enjoy the right to protest in a civil manner. 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 with unity of purpose for the sustainable development of society.”
He added: “I urge the youths and promoters of the hunger protest to embrace peace and dialogue with the federal government. President Tinubu, as a listening father, will see reasons to accede to your demands.”
Madumere called on the President to take steps and reach out to the youths, organizers of the protest, and the populace, as the father of the nation.
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Prince Madumere commended the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and the South East governors for rallying around the youths and stakeholders to halt the protest in the zone, stressing that meaningful development requires absolute decorum.
While commending the South East youths for listening to the voice of reason and maintaining absolute calmness, he challenged stakeholders and party faithful in the country to brace up to the challenges of rebuilding and refocusing the country for the interest of society.
The ex-Imo deputy governor used the press conference to commiserate with the families of those who lost their loved ones, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Speaking in respect to comments in certain quarters urging the Igbo to leave Lagos State, Prince Madumere stressed that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside anywhere of their choice in the country.
He asserted that no citizen can unilaterally ask the Igbo to relocate and commended President Tinubu, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor Uzodimma, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their swift intervention.
He said: “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.”
He called on elder statesmen, critical stakeholders, and captains of industries to bring their wealth of experience and support President Tinubu in navigating this scenario.
He concluded: “This is the time for superior advice on how to navigate through this scenario as this will go a long way to assist the federal government in managing the situation.”
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