Nigerians have urged President Bola Tinubu to restore fuel and energy subsidies or face further demonstrations.
This was said in a statement issued at the conclusion of the official 10-day period for the #EndBadGovernance protest by the Osun State Civil Societies Coalition, the state’s umbrella association for civil society organisations.
Youths will return to the streets to demand proper governance, according to a statement issued by the coalition’s chairman, Waheed Lawal, which also expressed the coalition’s rejection of President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on the protests.
Instead of giving the states palliatives, Lawal encouraged the federal government to implement measures that will decrease the financial suffering that Nigerians endure.
The release of the demonstrators who were detained was also urged by civil society organisations.
He stated: “The #EndBadGovernance protest ended today. Unfortunately, the president hasn’t addressed all the issues the protesters raised. Mr President spoke without listening to most Nigerians who are lamenting ‘ebi n pawa o’ (we are hungry) every day.
“We demand the reversal of fuel and electricity subsidies removal because it has been hurting the citizens, leading to hyperinflation, a high cost of living and economic hardship in the country.
“We demand the immediate release of all the protesters in police custody, including those arrested during the #EndSARS protest, and provision for adequate compensation for the violations of their human rights.
“The OCSC enjoins the federal government to act swiftly to avoid pushing citizens to their limits.
“We shall organise a bigger, broader and more disciplined movement of the people and youths for another round of protests for a better Nigeria if the President is lackadaisical on the demands of Nigerians.”
