EndBadGovernance protests suspended in Osun
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, organizers of the EndBadGovernance protest in Osun State has announced the suspension of the ongoing demonstrations in light of security concerns related to the ongoing Osun Osogbo festival.
The suspension of the protest comes after six days of peaceful demonstrations, which began on August 1, 2024.
The Coalition has been actively advocating for immediate action from the Government to address pressing issues affecting Nigerian citizens.
The Coordinator of the coalition, Ajala Adetunji, while addressing journalists after their peaceful protest in Osogbo said the coalition reviewed the security situation surrounding the Osun Osogbo festival and acknowledged the potential risks posed by the influx of tourists and the possibility of hoodlums disguising themselves as tourists to launch attacks on peaceful protesters.
Adetunji who expressed disappointment in the President’s recent speech, which did not address their specific demands, said the coalition managed to present their concerns to the Governor of Osun State through the Deputy Governor and Secretary to the State Government, who assured them that their demands would be forwarded to the federal executive council.
While saluting the courage of peaceful protesters, the Coalition urged citizens to remain resolute in advocating for their demands and continue to voice their concerns as they monitor the Government’s response.
He said, “We urge the Government to act promptly and decisively on the issues we have raised. The Coalition will remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that our demands are met while we call on all participants and supporters to stay united and await further updates on the progress of our engagement with the Government.
“We thank the people of Osun State and all Nigerians for their unwavering support and commitments to the cause of justice and good governance. Let us continue to advocate for a better Nigeria with peace and dignity.”
Earlier, the protesters had stormed the Osun State Secretariat in Osogbo to continue their demands for good governance.
Governor Ademola Adeleke who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi commended the protesters on the way and manner they behaved in the past days when the protest broke out .
He charged them to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement towards achieving their demands as he equally assured the protesters that once the Federal Government palliatives is completed it would be disbursed to residents.
Adeleke promised to table their demands to the Federal Government at the next National Economic Council meeting.
