Protest: Saying 'we have heard' not enough - Fintiri urges solutions to concerns

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has called for solutions to citizens' concerns, stressing that saying 'We have heard' to protesters was not enough.

The governor stated this on Sunday during a statewide broadcast to the people in reaction to the peaceful nationwide protests against hunger and hardship with the theme: #EndBadGovernance.

Govenor Fintiri acknowledged the protesters' demands, describing them as genuine and clear, saying: "None of us can deny the fact that there is hunger and general poverty in the land; this has been made worse by the harsh economic realities, a deficient policy direction and the insensitivity of the national government to engage the citizens civilly."

He appreciated the protesters for their support, adding that it will propel him to do more in serving them.

He said: "In Adamawa State, we can safely say our people have harken to our calls for calm and the situation is peaceful; where there are pockets of protests, the protesters are a minority, who are conducting themselves in the most respectable civil manner while pressing home their demands for good governance and better life for the citizens of Nigeria.

"Fellow citizens, even though, the protest might be unpopular especially with the way and manner it is carried out in some states across the country, the message is clear and the demands are genuine. 

"As leaders of the people, we must at all times not only listen but act. The lesson we must derive from the protest is the constant reminder that it is not enough to tell the citizens, “We have heard”, we must be seen as doing the needful in providing solutions to citizens’ concerns. 

"Fellow citizens for the past four days of the protest regime, I have gone round, especially the state capital, and can see the level of trust we have mutually developed.

"It is that trust that gave me the confidence to come out, move freely and officially inspect ongoing projects in the state. 

"I must thank you all for the show of support which has rekindle my resolve to do more and continue to serve you. I have seen love; I have equally seen genuine affection that knows no bounds at a time when the situation is rancorous in other climes."

Allnews.ng recalls that during the protest which commenced on Thursday, August 1, 2024, protesters engaged in the peaceful procession, demanding the government to address insecurity, inflation, poverty, and food shortages.