The activists called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the security agencies and allow Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right with any form of molestation or harassment.
Human rights activists under the aegis of Network of Abuja Left Groups have warned the Nigerian government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force not to lay hands on protesters during #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests scheduled to commence from August 1 across the country.
The activists called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the security agencies and allow Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right with any form of molestation or harassment.
The human rights crusaders disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a press conference titled “Tinubu/APC Government Has Failed Nigerian Masses: Time For Mass Struggle” jointly addressed by the National Coordinator, Youth Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, and Omole Ibukun, Coordinator Creative Change Centre (C4) in Abuja on Friday.
They lamented how the nation’s economy has witnessed a sharp decline since the emergence of the Tinubu-led government.
According to the activists, “A bad situation has become worse. In February 2024, Nigeria’s inflation reached 32% year-on-year, food inflation hit 38% in February 2024 and in April 2024 cost of food soared to 40.53%. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate declined to 2.98% in the first quarter of 2024, while the Naira became the world’s worst-performing currency as at May 2024.
“All indexes to measure economic growth are in the negative. These are statistics; the reality is more agonising and terrifying. Nigerians have not lived in a worst time.
“From May 29, 2023, the day President Tinubu was sworn-in, the nation was thrown into unprecedented unrest and uncertainty with the declaration of subsidy removal. Within a day, cost of fuel soared from average cost of N200 per liter to over N500. Sadly, fuel now sells for about N700 and in many cases Nigerians have to jostle for it. Similarly, electricity tariff climbed to N225 per kilowatt for Band A consumers while other consumers also witness increment.”
The coalition therefore demanded that all political office holders must be placed on same salary scheme with Nigerian workers and immediate reversal of pump price and electricity tariff.
The activists also called for the full implementation of a minimum living wage that meets the basic needs of all workers, formal or informal.
“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.
“Other demands include; total reversal of all school fees increment, proper funding of public education.
“Immediate fixing of all public refineries and building of new ones. Release of all #EndSARS protesters who are still being held in the custody”
“To drive home these demands we are calling on everyone Nigerian to join the protest commencing on August 1 in our various locations to join the struggle, mobilise, organise, and take action until our demands are met. Join us on August 1 and for future actions to show our collective strength and determination,” the coalition stated.
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