Protesters end demonstration for Osun-Osogbo festival

• Lament Tinubu’s insensitivity to agitations
• Group seeks immediate release of arrested innocent protesters, details of suspected hijackers

The #EndBadGovernance protesters in Osun State have announced stoppage of their demonstration, saying that the decision is to ensure a successful Osun-Osogbo festival to be held in Osogbo, the state capital.

Coordinator of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, the organisers of the protest in the state, Ajala Adetunji, who made this known in a statement, yesterday, said that the protesters had handed their demands to Governor Ademola Adeleke, adding the protest would resume after the yearly Osun-Osogbo festival if their demands are not met.

“Since the inception of this peaceful protest, we have made our demands clear, seeking immediate action from our leaders to address the pressing issues affecting the citizens of our beloved state and country. We acknowledge the recent address by the President; however, we express our profound disappointment as the President’s speech failed to address any of our specific demands.

“Furthermore, we reviewed the security situation vis-a-vis the Osun Osogbo festival currently ongoing at Osogbo. It is worthy of note to establish that the protest is incidentally taking place in Osogbo, which is of concern.

“Considering the safety of tourists coming for the global Osun-Osogbo festival and the possibility of hoodlums disguising themselves as tourists and unleashing attacks on peaceful protesters amid other security concerns, we considered it imperative to put the protest on hold today, August 6, 2024.

“While we salute the courage of peaceful protesters, we urge concerned citizens to remain resolute on our demands and continue to ventilate the same while planning for the next stage of the struggle.

“We urge the government to act promptly and decisively on the issues we have raised.

“The coalition will remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that our demands are met while we call on all participants and supporters to stay united and await further updates on the progress of our engagement with the government.

“We thank the people of Osun State and all Nigerians for their unwavering support and commitment to the cause of justice and good governance. Let us continue to advocate for a better Nigeria with peace and dignity,” the statement read.

MEANWHILE, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Justice, Development and Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC) in Osogbo, yesterday, called for the immediate release of the arrested innocent protesters by security agencies and demanded full details of suspected protest hijackers.

The faith-based NGO made the demand in a statement signed by its General Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Peter Akinkunmi, while reacting to the vandalisation and inimical looting that greeted the ongoing nationwide protests by the unscrupulous elements and unsuspected hijackers.

Akinkunmi, who commended the great improvement in the approach of security agencies so far compared to the past, also commended the high-level organisation and civility demonstrated in some states by the protesters to prevent violence degeneration.

He, therefore, charged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration not to let his message of hope interventions highlighted in his speech while addressing the nation be “sweet words but empty promises” but rather should follow them to the letter.