A group of protesters took to the streets of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, to demand a review of policies they say are hurting the masses. The protest, which began on Thursday, is aimed at drawing attention to the growing hunger and poverty in the state.
The protesters, who were mostly youths, carried placards and banners with various inscriptions, calling on the government to address the economic hardship faced by the people. They also demanded an overhaul of policies they say are anti-people and have contributed to the growing poverty in the state.
The protest was peaceful, with the protesters marching through the streets of Osogbo, chanting slogans and singing solidarity songs. They were, however, met with a heavy police presence, who were deployed to maintain law and order.
The leader of the protest group, who spoke to newsmen, said the protest was necessary to draw attention to the growing hunger and poverty in the state. He said the government had failed to address the economic hardship faced by the people, and that it was time for a change.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, CCNC wants the Federal Government to reverse its anti – poor capitalist policies, which are responsible for the excruciating economic hardship.
The Osun State Coordinator,CCNC,Mr. Adetunji Ajala made the call while addressing Newsmen at the popular Olaiya Junction, Osogbo.
Mr. Ajala stressed the need for downward review of policies affecting the masses, including; hike in fuel prices, devaluation of the naira, obnoxious increase in Electricity tarrif, increase in fees at Public Higher Institutions and increasing commercialization of services at Public Hospitals.
Speaking on the increase allocations for State Governments by the Federal Government, The State CCNC Coordinator urged the State government to ensure that the money recieved from the federal government were used judiciously by embracing Green revolution.
Mr. Ajala frowned at a situation where petrol per litre sells between #800 and #900 per litre, contrary to the promise to reduce pumpprice made by President Bola Tinubu during electioneering campaign.
Corroborating his view, the Spokesperson of the group,Mr. Segun Oyewale who assured that they would continue to engage in peaceful protest to press home thier demands to the Government in the next ten days appealed to the security operatives to sustain proper and professional conduct continue to conduct.
The Protesters had placards with various inscriptions including; ” Lets take action to end bad Governance ” ,” reduce allowances of Political Office and Top Government Functionaries”, ” we want food , ” State Governments should account for the increase in allocation”. amongst others.
The Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens,CCNC which an umbrella to other Civil Society Groups had Converged at the Freedom Park as Early as 9 in the morning, move to Olaiya Junction and proceeded to the State Secretariat.
However, there was visible presence of security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,NSCDC Nigeria Police and Nigeria Army at strategic locations within the state capital and other major towns across the State.
