Nigerian entrepreneur, investment banker, and founder of Stambic IBTC Bank PLC, Atedo Peterside, has called on the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters to call off the protest today.
Peterside, in a statement on X on Sunday, applauded the protesters for their doggedness in protesting despite the resistance from the police and the federal government.
Peterside mentioned that the protest has revealed that Nigerian youths do not treat the political situation of the country with apathy.
However, he begged the protesters to call off the protest “in the name of God.”
The seasoned economist mentioned that Nigerians cannot continue to endure the hardship and the destruction of peace and tranquilly caused by the ongoing hunger protest.
Arguing that they “have made their point,” he urged the protesters to listen to the plea of President Bola Tinubu, who addressed the nation on Sunday concerning the ongoing protest.
“Dear Protesters, I doff my hat to those of you who have been protesting peacefully since 01 August,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Speaking with the protesters, Peterside side, “I beg you in the name of God to please call off the protest now. In the aftermath of #EndSars (see my lengthy @AriseTV interview from 2020 attached), I explained that any mass street action that goes on for more than a few days will be infiltrated and overtaken by hoodlums.
“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. 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, tighten their own belts, or lead by example, please then re-strategise, regroup, and call them to order again. God bless you all.”