Economic hardship: Group gives Tinubu 7-day ultimatum

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC), has given a seven-day Ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu to address the worsening economic hardship in the country failure of which the coalition will occupy the state and Nigeria at large.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the Chairman of the coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal, said they are not afraid of Police arrest during protest.

He stressed, “We are not afraid of arrest on the protest, as we are resolute. Protest is our fundamental right. Let the state agents be informed. We are product of popular struggles.”

Lawal said the ultimatum which begins today (Thursday) will expire next week Tuesday during which they will mobilize members, labour Unions, market Women and students to occupy the streets in Nigeria.

His words:  “The removal of subsidies has cast a shadow over the economic stability of Nigeria; and this is hampering productivity and killing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, taking away the purchasing power of the Nigerian people, creating hunger, starvation and skyrocketing foodstuffs and essential commodities prices, among other woes.

“The worse of the agonies is the ongoing food crisis where staple foods are now exclusive and unaffordable for the common Nigerians. The hardship is more alarming and heading towards elastic limit.

“In Osun state, the palliative provision and Nigeria at large is shambolic and no tangible programme or projects have been achieved or initiated to ease the suffering of the people. We are aware of the increased accruable allocation to the state, the governor should endeavour to be judicious and humane on the finances of the state.

“With all indications, it appears that President Bola Tinubu goofed on the pronouncement of subsidy removal. It was unexpected of somebody with a life-long ambition to make a loose statement that has been the albatross of his administration till now.

“The masses cannot continue to make sacrifice when the government officials are lavishing the common patrimony. Governors, National and State lawmakers and their cronies have been living large on our common wealth.

“All the palliatives initiatives are wired with fraud and insincerity. For how long will the government continue to lavish on palliatives that do not reach the common people? “

The coalition then called on labour and trade unions, artisans, market men and women, students and other Nigerians being affected by this economic hardship to join the imminent struggle of Occupy Nigeria 2024.

The OCSC hinted that it is clear that the common Nigerian people have not gained anything from the subsidy removal, while the government officials are becoming richer daily.

“It is therefore important that the Nigerian people begin to mobilize and organize themselves for a mass action that is closer to us all. It is time to be united again for a common goal as we did in 2012.

“We hereby give the federal government seven days ultimatum to address the worsening economic situation, failure of which we are going to occupy the state and Nigeria at large.

“We call on labour and trade unions, artisans, market men and women, students and other Nigerians being affected by this economic hardship to join the imminent struggle of Occupy Nigeria 2024.”