By MBACHU GODWIN, Abuja
Coalition of Civil Society groups under the aegis of Coalition For Democratic Accountability and Electoral Reforms, (CODER) has urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately address the economic Hardship being witnessed in the country.
The Coalition also ask the Security agencies to immediately release all Protesters arrested during the August 1st to 10th End Bad Governance and hardship Protest unconditionally
Addressing a press Conference in Abuja, Convener and spokesperson of the Coalition, High Chief, Peter Ameh said the hardship Protest will continue until the president meets the demands of Nigerians.
Ameh said “Our nation is in crisis. The Nigerian people have been plunged into deeper poverty and hardship. Subsistence living has vanished, leaving many families in distress. Parents struggle to put food on the table, and some are forced to make stew with cucumbers because basic vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and onions are too expensive. Farmers live in fear of bandits and kidnappers, preventing them from cultivating their lands, which contributes to the food scarcity we face. The economic turmoil has led to unpaid school fees, and as of 2024, UNICEF has declared Nigeria as having the world’s highest number of out-of-school children. This is an urgent situation that demands immediate attention.”
On the arrest of Protesters by security agencies , he said ,
“We have witnessed tragic events, such as the killing of Abbas Kabiru by the Nigerian Police in Kaduna and the death of 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed at the hands of the Nigerian Army. These are only a few examples of the violence that peaceful protesters have endured, with Amnesty International stating over 22 peaceful protesters brutally killed by the security agencies.
The 1999 Constitution, as amended, clearly protects our inalienable rights, including the right to protest. According to the constitution, no one should be held without being charged to court for more than 48 hours. Yet, individuals like Alhaji Khalid Aminu remain in detention without charges, languishing in SSS custody in Kaduna. This is unacceptable!
The demands of Nigerians who have gathered peacefully since August 1, 2024, must be heard. We seek relief from the economic hardships inflicted upon us by the irrational policies of the President Tinubu led government. The use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters is intolerable and must end immediately.
“We also declare that the harassment and intimidation of journalists who are bonafide members of the fourth estate of the realm from covering the protest is a breach of the constitution and other relevant international laws. This should stop immediately.
Our protests are not a stage for criminal activities. To those who see our peaceful protest as a means to put their criminal activities into practise, you are not a part of our cause.
We call on President Tinubu to immediately halt the use of brute force by security agencies against peaceful protesters. There is no place for the use of live ammunition on peaceful protesters.
“Nigerians have the right to protest, and our demands are essential for the nation’s progress and stability. We urge the federal government to take immediate action to address these issues. We are aware of the government’s tactics of bribing key stakeholders to quash protests, but this time, it will not succeed. If our demands are not met, we will continue to peacefully express our sufferings and frustrations until they are addressed.
Nigerians will not give up until their demands are met”.
