The Coalition for Concerned Nigeria Citizens in Osun State has warned the state and federal governments to urgently tackle the astronomical increase in prices of motor fuel .
At a world press conference addressed by the group leader leader Mr Ajala Adetunji David tagged :#Endbadgovernance, State of the nation”, the group gave both the state and federal governments October 1 to address the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.
It said that if the issues raised are not addressed at the expiration of the ultimatum, the state and federal governments will face a mother of all protest.
The group enumerated the issues to be urgently addressed as quick minimum wage implementation, distribution of palliative, payment of outstanding salaries and arrears especially to Osun State workers, and reduction of fuel price.
It said: “Rising in cost of fuel has been the major cost of inflation especially in area of food prices .If petroleum issue is addressed all other things will fall in place .
“We the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens, took to the streets in a peaceful protest, raising our voices against the tide of bad governance and anti-people policies that have gripped our country.
“Our demands are clear: for a better, and more responsive government that prioritizes the welfare of her citizens is expected to have let the public be aware of what has been put in place after the suspension of the first protest .
“Aside from the removal of tax on food items which we hope to ameliorate hunger and poverty, it is expected other indicators to end hunger and inflation would be worked on by the federal government.
“In Osun State, we made the difficult decision to suspend the protest, believing that the government at both state and federal levels deserved the benefit of doubt, we hoped that by stepping back, we could create space for meaningful dialogue, a chance to work together to find the best solutions to ease the burdens on our people.
“It is with great disappointment that as we stand before you today nothing considerable has been done .
“Instead of the relief we sought, the situation has grown increasingly. The ongoing fuel scarcity has crippled daily life, driving up the cost of living to unbearable levels.
“And now, in a move that can only be described as a gross misjudgment, the government has banned students under 18 years old from writing WAEC and NECO examinations.
” This decision not only misplaces priorities but also denies our youth the basic right to education and a future.
“As if these hardships were not enough, we learned with shock and disbelief that the federal government purchased a private aircraft for the presidency, an extravagant expense that comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet.
“This blatant disregard for the procurement process, coupled with the government’s indifference to the suffering of the masses speaks volume about the current administration’s priorities.
“Our patience is not infinite. We have been reasonable, we have been patient, but we will not be ignored. If the government continues to turn a deaf ear to the cries of the people, they should brace themselves for the mother of all protests on October 1st as the citizens will not continue to fold hand on continuous increase of food and basic needs without corresponding measures to curb the unfortunate inflation.
“The request for transparent and good governance from the federal government cum state government is their duty, to serve the people, to protect our rights, and to govern with integrity.
“This statement serve as a warning: the people will not be silenced. We will continue to fight for a Nigeria that works for all of us, not just the privileged few.
“It is important to reiterate that some leaders of endbadgovernance were arrested in Abuja and till now, they are yet to be released. The persons of Michael Lenin, Mosiu Sodiq and other unlawfully detained #endbadgovernance protesters. We frown at the abuse of human rights and request that those arrested unjustly should be released.
“We are aware of the publication released by the Osun State government on their plans to start implementation of the state demands. Surprisingly, we have not seen any tangible steps that support the government’s promises thus far .
“We hereby appeal and call on government all levels to rise to the demand of citizens and stop pseudo promises with no action plan. It is on this note that we call on all the citizens of Osun State to join hands with the coalition in demanding for good governance from the government at all levels.”
