By Orekoya Peter Oreoluwa( IT Student, Ekiti State University)
A coalition of activists in Osun State organized a peaceful protest on Monday to decry the escalating cost of living. Comprised of groups such as the Joint Action Force, the Coalition for Revolution, the Osun Civil Society Coalition, the Federation of Informal Workers, and youth representatives, protesters voiced their discontent with the federal government’s inaction toward addressing the issue.
They also criticized the government’s decision to allocate oil subsidy removal proceeds to state governors instead of tackling the root causes of the economic crisis.
Gathering at Freedom Park, Osogbo, the protesters marched through the streets before congregating under Olaiya Bridge, where they engaged with journalists.
Despite a significant presence of armed policemen and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives monitoring the situation, the protesters conveyed their grievances through songs reflecting the hardships faced by Nigerians.
A central theme of the protest was the call for a nationwide movement to compel the government to take more substantive action against the rising cost of living.
Protesters emphasized the reasonableness of their demands, urging the government to uphold its commitments and refrain from further burdening ordinary Nigerians.
They urged concrete measures to alleviate economic hardship nationwide, underscoring the mounting frustration and discontent among citizens grappling with escalating living expenses.
Criticizing the government’s removal of fuel subsidies and subsequent allocation of funds to state governors, one protester lamented the lack of effective resource management by state authorities.
This critique underscores concerns about accountability and transparency in government spending, highlighting the potential exacerbation of economic challenges for average Nigerians due to the subsidy removal.
