A call has been made to President Bola Tinubu to bring back subsidies on electricity and fuel or brace for more protests from the Nigerian populace.
In a statement released at the conclusion of the official 10-day period for the #EndBadGovernance protest, the Osun State Civil Societies Coalition, the overarching body for civil society organizations in the state, conveyed this message.
Chairman Waheed Lawal, in the statement, criticized President Tinubu’s national address on the protests and emphasized that the youth will mobilize once again to demand effective governance.
The coalition urged the federal government to implement policies that would alleviate the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, not just the palliative measures currently being provided to states.
Additionally, the civil society groups called for the release of detained protesters.
According to Lawal, “The #EndBadGovernance protest officially concludes today. Regrettably, the president has not fully addressed the raised concerns of the protesters. Mr. President’s words seem distant from the daily cries of Nigerians lamenting ‘ebi n pawa o’ (we are hungry).
“We demand the reversal of the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, a move that has significantly burdened citizens, resulting in hyperinflation, soaring living costs, and economic distress across the nation.
“We insist on the immediate release of all protesters in police custody, including those apprehended during the #EndSARS demonstrations, and call for proper compensation for the violations of their human rights.
“The OCSC implores the federal government to take swift action to prevent pushing citizens past their breaking point.
“Should the president remain indifferent to the demands of Nigerians, we will mobilize an even larger, more inclusive, and disciplined movement of citizens and youths for another wave of protests towards a better Nigeria.”