President Bola Tinubu was asked to reduce subsidies for electricity and fuel, otherwise he would have to expect renewed protests from Nigerians.
The Osun State Civil Societies Coalition, the umbrella body of civil society organisations in the state, stated this in a statement issued at the end of the official 10-day period for the #EndBadGovernance protest.
In the statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal, the coalition condemned President Tinubu’s nationwide address on the protests and stressed that the youths would return to the streets and demand good governance.
Lawal urged the federal government to take measures that will reduce the economic burden on Nigerians rather than relying on the relief of hardship that it distributes to the states.
Civil society organizations also called for the release of the arrested demonstrators.
READ: #EndBadGovernance: Children join protests and complain about hunger
He said: “The #EndBadGovernance protest ended today. Unfortunately, the President did not address all the issues raised by the protesters. Mr. President spoke without listening to most Nigerians who lament ‘ebi n pawa o’ (we are hungry) every day.
“We demand the withdrawal of subsidies on fuel and electricity because they harm citizens and lead to hyperinflation, high cost of living and economic oppression in the country.
“We demand the immediate release of all protesters in police custody, including those arrested during the #EndSARS protests, and adequate compensation for violations of their human rights.
“The OCSC calls on the federal government to act quickly to prevent citizens from being pushed to their limits.
“If the President does not meet the demands of Nigerians, we will organize a larger, broader and more disciplined movement of the people and the youth for another round of protests for a better Nigeria.”
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with extensive experience in print, broadcast and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of topics in politics, governance, sports, community development and good governance.
