Despite warnings from the United Action Front of Civil Society, the government is cautioned against using intimidation tactics on protesters during the upcoming nationwide protests against hunger scheduled from August 1 to 10. The Civil Society group, in a statement signed by Wale Okunniyi, emphasized that citizens should hold the government accountable for any repercussions.
Various activists have organized a nationwide protest slated for August 1 to 10, 2024, which has gained momentum on social media under hashtags like ‘#EndBadGovernance,’ ‘#TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’ Despite calls from the presidency and police authorities urging youths to cancel the protest, plans for the demonstrations remain steadfast.
In the statement released, the Civil Society group urged the government to address the demands raised by citizens participating in the protests and emphasized that threats and tactics being used by government agents will not deter the widespread demonstrations.
One of the primary demands put forward by the protest initiators is the immediate reduction of fuel prices from the current unofficial rate of ₦1,000 per litre to the pre-January 2023 price of ₦167 per litre. Additionally, there is a call for a 50% reduction in the salaries and allowances of elected government officials to curb government extravagance.
The group firmly stated that the government will be held accountable for failing to address the critical concerns of Nigerians and hinted at the necessity of replacing the current constitution, imposed undemocratically in 1999 through military decree 24, with a more democratic and legitimate process.
Therefore, the organized civil society puts responsibility on the government for not taking immediate action on the essential issues and interests of the Nigerian populace, crucial for the planned nationwide protests and any unintended consequences that may arise as a result.