On Tuesday, hundreds of people gathered in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, to express their frustration over the worsening economic situation in Nigeria. The protest, organized by the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens and supported by members of the Take it Back Movement, began at the popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Park. The demonstrators, comprising students, artisans, and workers, converged early in the morning to organize themselves into a formidable group before marching around the town.
Armed with placards displaying messages such as “President Tinubu is a disaster for this country” and “This administration has wreaked havoc on its citizens beyond expression,” the protesters chanted anti-government songs and voiced their anger against the government’s economic policies. They specifically demanded that President Tinubu reverse the removal of fuel subsidies to alleviate the rising cost of living and soaring food prices, emphasizing their determination to see tangible changes in governance.
The march caused traffic disruptions in the Okefia, Old Garage, and Olaiya areas, yet daily activities continued largely undisturbed, with shop owners and market women maintaining their businesses. A significant security presence was evident throughout the protest, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies closely monitoring the demonstrators to ensure law and order were maintained.
Adetunji Ajala, the coordinator of the protest, addressed reporters, criticizing the government’s “I don’t care attitude” toward the needs of ordinary Nigerians. He lamented the neglect of the populace and the implementation of policies that exacerbate their struggles. Ajala recalled previous demands made during the #EndBadGovernance protests that remain unmet, asserting, “Enough is enough. We will continue to protest until the government listens to the voice of the people.”
Despite the tensions surrounding the event, the protest was peaceful, highlighting the collective frustration of citizens who feel their grievances are being ignored. The determination of the protesters to persist in their demands for change reflects a significant moment in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, as citizens seek accountability from their leaders amidst ongoing economic challenges.
SOURCES
- https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigeria-64-protesters-rally-against-economic-hardships-in-osun/
- https://punchng.com/heavy-security-as-october1-protesters-hit-osogbo-streets/
