A coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements, and faith-based organisations has declared June 12 a day of nationwide protest and mass action over the worsening security and economic situation in Nigeria.
The coalition said the planned protest is aimed at drawing attention to what it described as the continued decline in the living conditions of millions of Nigerians.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, Femi Falana; the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin; and a member of the organising committee of the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos State, Falz, whose real name is Folarin Falana.
Other signatories to the statement include the Organising Secretary of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Yusha’u Yankuzo; Secretary of Initiative and Mediation, Zauren Tuntuba da Sasanci, Ali Attahiru; and several labour and civil society leaders.
According to the coalition, one of the key demands of the protest is the immediate release of Nigerians currently being held captive in states including Oyo, Borno, Ekiti and Kwara.
The group argued that there is little reason to celebrate Democracy Day while many citizens continue to live under the threat of attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
It stated that recent months have witnessed increasing cases of abductions, killings and violent attacks in different parts of the country.
The statement read: “Innocent Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced and traumatised while government responses have remained largely inadequate and ineffective.”
The coalition added that despite repeated assurances from authorities that insecurity is being addressed, many communities remain vulnerable to attacks.
It noted that schools continue to face security threats, farmers struggle to access their farmlands safely, highways remain dangerous, and many families are still dealing with the pain of losing loved ones or having relatives held captive.
The group maintained that Nigerians deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance.
The coalition also criticised some of the economic policies introduced under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that they have increased hardship across the country.
According to the group, the removal of fuel subsidy, repeated increases in fuel prices, the devaluation of the naira, rising electricity tariffs and the commercialisation of essential services have worsened poverty levels.
The statement said: “Despite the significant increase in the monthly statutory allocations to the three tiers of government, the people are getting poorer.”
It added that food prices have continued to rise, transportation costs have become increasingly difficult for many families to bear, and numerous small and medium-scale businesses are struggling due to high fuel costs, unstable electricity supply and declining consumer purchasing power.
The coalition further argued that workers’ incomes remain inadequate as inflation continues to reduce their purchasing power.
Calling on Nigerians to participate in the June 12 protest, the coalition said the action is intended to push the government to take urgent steps to improve security and review policies that it believes have contributed to widespread hardship.
The statement added: “This protest is about the lives of our children and teachers in captivity. It is about the collective survival of ordinary Nigerians.”
The coalition urged civil society groups and other progressive organisations to unite and mobilise citizens to demand the release of all captives and seek policies that would improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Other signatories to the statement include the Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Mike Igaga; President of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association, Rufus Olusesan; and Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front.
Also listed are the General Secretary of Socialist Labour, Abiodun Olamosu; the Lead of the Calabar Group of Socialists, Jonathan Ugbal; Country Director of Citizens Solution Network, Richard Inoyo; Salako Kayode of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement; Omole Ibukun of the Centre for Creative Change; and National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Michael.
