Coalition insists on protest, CISLAC, APC chief caution
Coalition of human rights activists and organisations, Network of Abuja Left Groups, has outlined 12 demands that must be met by the federal government to avert the August 1 nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
They stated their demands just as Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and a former presidential candidate and a chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Gbenga Hashim, cautioned government and planners of the protest.
The coalition, at a press conference in Abuja at the weekend, said it would not be deterred by threats and intimidation, even as it called on security agencies to discharge their duties professionally to avoid a repeat of EndSARS pains.
Leader of the coalition, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, called for the reversal of fuel price and electricity tariff to the pre-May 29, 2023 era. The activists also demanded that all political office holders must be placed on the same salary with Nigerian workers, while also calling for the implementation of a minimum living wage that meets the basic needs of all workers.
Other demands include total reversal of all school fees increment and adequate funding of public education, immediate fixing of all public refineries as well as unconditional release of all #EndSARS protesters still in detention.
Adaramoye said: “We demand the establishment of a progressive taxation system in Nigeria, where the wealthy pay their fair share, and the burden is not disproportionately placed on the poor and working class.”
Another member of the coalition, Omole Ibukun, called on Nigerians to join the protest until their demands are met. He lamented that the country’s economy had witnessed a sharp decline since the emergence of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
In his comments, Hashim argued that the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals concerning any situation is an essential part of citizens freedom of expression provided for in Nigeria’s Constitution in so far as such rights were expressed peacefully without infringing on the rights of others.
In a statement by his media office, Hashim maintained: “There are legitimate grounds for Nigeria people to protest the prevailing economic situation and myriad of challenges not currently satisfactorily addressed, Nigerians did protest in robust manners even under military rule. ”
“What government needs to do is to address the issues with utmost sincerity it is time for an honest introspection.” He, however, added: “Any group of people allegedly plotting regime change under the cover of protest would be engaged in treason and where credible evidence exists would be answerable to law.”
On its part, CISLAC urged government to set a clear timeframe for addressing citizens’ grievances rather than merely attempting to suppress protests. Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, in a statement, emphasised the need for decisive action on pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, corruption, insecurity, and the erosion of institutional integrity.
He listed inflation, unemployment, corruption and insecurity as critical challenges that need urgent attention, noting that the integrity of the country’s institutions was in question and it was imperative to restore trust and confidence of citizens The advocacy centre urged government to safeguard the rights of protesters, highlighting that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in Nigeria.
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