Massive Nationwide Protests Planned as Civil Society Condemns Tinubu's Economic Policies

Massive Nationwide Protests Planned as Civil Society Condemns Tinubu's Economic Policies
BY JENNIFER NWOSU

 In a powerful press conference held at the International Press Centre in Ogba, Lagos, a coalition of civil society organizations, socialist groups, and radical political parties announced a series of nationwide peaceful protests set to begin on June 12, 2024. 

The groups are united in their condemnation of President Bola Tinubu's administration, accusing it of inflicting unprecedented hardship and hunger on the Nigerian populace through what they describe as disastrous neo-liberal and anti-poor economic policies.

Representatives of millions of Nigerian workers, youth, students, farmers, traders, artisans, and the poor masses addressed the media, highlighting the severe economic crises that have worsened under President Tinubu's one-year tenure. The coalition detailed the catastrophic impact of policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, devaluation of the naira, and other pro-market measures, which they argue have led to soaring inflation, widespread job losses, and an escalating cost of living.


The coalition provided alarming statistics to illustrate the economic downturn, soaring from 22.41% in May 2023 to 33.7% in May 2024, the highest in three decades.
Also, Food inflation peaking at 40.5%, the highest since 1996.Food Insecurity has also  affected at least 31 million Nigerians, though the coalition claims the actual number could be as high as 60 million.

Multidimensional poverty has impacted over 133 million Nigerians, with many unable to afford more than one meal a day.

The coalition  also criticized Tinubu's administration for exacerbating the economic challenges inherited from former President Buhari. They argued that the government's pro-market policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira's devaluation, have plunged the country into deeper economic turmoil, resulting in higher inflation and widespread hardship.

Highlighting the government's own admission that subsidy payments on crude oil have returned, with costs expected to reach N5.4 trillion by December 2024, the coalition lambasted the administration for causing unnecessary suffering without achieving any positive outcomes. They accused the government of doubling down on failed policies and insulating political elites from the economic crisis through inflated salaries and systemic corruption.

June 12, a day with historical significance in Nigeria's struggle for democracy, has been declared a national day of action against hardship and hunger. The coalition urged all Nigerians affected by the economic crisis to join the peaceful protests, which will commence in Lagos at Ikeja under-bridge at 8 am, with other locations to be announced.

The coalition outlined a comprehensive set of demands, calling for:
- An end to economic hardship and fee hikes.
- Study grants instead of loans.
- Enhanced security and an end to police brutality and kidnappings.
- Reversal of fuel price and electricity tariff hikes.
- An increase in the minimum wage to reflect inflation.
- Significant salary cuts for political office holders.
- Comprehensive social protection programs.
- Press freedom and the release of detained journalists and political detainees.

The coalition advocated for a shift from pro-market policies to pro-people economic strategies, emphasizing the need for democratic control and management of the economy to ensure wealth distribution that benefits all Nigerians. They criticized the continued implementation of IMF and World Bank programs, calling for a new system that prioritizes the well-being of the majority over the interests of a wealthy few.

The press conference was addressed by key figures from various organizations, including:
- Sanyaolu Juwon, National Coordinator of Take It Back Movement.
- Peluola Adewale, National Mobilization Officer of Joint Action Front (JAF).
- Hassan Taiwo Soweto, National Coordinator of Education Rights Campaign (ERC) and Chairman of African Action Congress (AAC), Lagos Chapter.
- Comrade Gbenga Komolafe, General Secretary of Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON).
- Kunle Wizeman, National Chair of Socialist Workers League (SWL).
- Comrade Bashiru Bello, National Publicity Secretary of PRP Vanguard.

The coalition's leaders emphasized the urgency of their call to action, urging all Nigerians to join the protests and stand up against the policies they say are driving the nation into deeper poverty and despair.

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