By Henry Umoru
ABUJA—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,, said the Federal Government and organised labour/civil society leaders had a responsibility to show flexibility rather than adopting rigid postures to find a mutually agreeable settlement on the issue of fuel subsidy.

Abubakar noted that the current anti-subsidy withdrawal protests across the country had created additional burden on Nigerians since the strike began a week ago.

In a statement from his media office, the former Vice President noted that both the government and labour leaders should be united in the common interest of ordinary Nigerians, who are bearing the brunt of the stalemate.

According to him, unless the two sides are realistic the nation stands the risk of reaching a dead end in negotiations, thereby compounding the hardship of millions who are earnestly awaiting a speedy end to this crisis.

Atiku Abubakar, who particularly urged the two sides to listen to the voice of reason rather than bend to the dictates of their egos, which might lead to avoidable complications in finding a workable solution to the subsidy crisis, stressed that sacrifices were needed by both sides to ensure that the final resolution served the best interest of the economy and people.

He condemned the killings by security agents, violence and arson on public and private property by some protesters.

He called for restraint from parties in the negotiations, adding that labour leaders should not allow criminal elements to infiltrate their ranks and discredit the essence of a legitimate and peaceful protest.