Protests rock Osun as citizens demand change over economic hardship

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

On Thursday, the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens in Osun State took to the streets to protest against the harsh economic conditions, widespread poverty, and detrimental policies affecting the country.

The peaceful protest saw a large gathering of youths and citizens demanding change. They assembled at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, holding placards with various messages such as: “Governor Must Address Allocation Increase,” “Nigeria Must Work,” “Palliatives Cannot Save Us, Let the Poor Breathe,” “End Hunger Now,” “We Are Hungry, Palliatives Won’t End Hunger,” and “Revert Fuel Price to Pre-May 29, 2023 Level,” among others.

Ajala Adetunji, the coalition’s coordinator, emphasized that the protest was not politically motivated but a response to the widespread suffering. He urged President Bola Tinubu to review government policies, which he claimed are adversely affecting the masses.

Adetunji also called on State Governors to be accountable for the allocations and funds received from the Federal Government, stating, “In Osun State, there is hunger, and many people are suffering. We have been pushed to the wall.”

He continued, “We are here because of the hunger, poverty, and poor policies impacting everyone. The youth population, which is the largest, is suffering the most. We are not afraid of anyone. The office of the citizen is the highest office in the land. We are exercising our rights, as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.”

Protesters also voiced their frustration over the recent hike in petrol prices, which have surged to N800 per liter, and demanded that the Federal Government reassess its policies. “This is not about APC or PDP. What we are experiencing affects everyone,” they said.

The protesters urged the government to take immediate action to alleviate the people’s suffering, warning that the situation is becoming unbearable. Adetunji noted that the protest is expected to last ten days, but the coalition will review its plans due to the upcoming Osun-Osogbo festival.

Comrade Alfred Adegoke, coordinator of the Social Democratic Movement (SDM) in Osun, praised the security agents for their role in monitoring the protest. He stated, “When we were planning this protest, the government claimed it would resemble the EndSARS protest of 2020, with public infrastructure destruction and loss of lives. This was government propaganda. EndSARS was a peaceful protest with civil rights activists involved, until security agencies began shooting protesters at Ojota, Lagos State.”

Adegoke commended the security agents for their presence and affirmed the protest’s commitment to peaceful demonstration, without vandalism, with active participation from youths and students.

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