Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) led a protest on Thursday, expressing concerns over the high cost of living and economic hardships in the country.
The protest, titled “OSOGBO ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, Bola Tinubu let the poor breathe,” saw participants marching from Nelson Mandela Freedom Park to the Olaiya-Overhead Bridge in Osogbo.
Waheed Lawal, Chairman of OCSC, called on Chief Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to go beyond providing millions of Naira as palliatives to governors and focus on lasting solutions to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.
Lawal said, “Bola Tinubu must look beyond giving millions of naira as palliatives to governors to addressing their hungry subjects but rather find a lasting solution to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.”
Lawal expressed disappointment in the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for backing out of the proposed two-day nationwide protest, stating that such a decision was worrisome given the economic challenges faced by millions of Nigerians.
Lawal condemned the absence of support from TUC, suggesting that the union should align itself with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the interest of the 200 million Nigerians facing economic hardship. He emphasized the importance of both labour unions coming together for the benefit of the nation.
”I will have loved the TUC to see reason why they ought not to back out at this point because the two days proposed protest is for the best interest of all nigerians.
”The both labour unions should try and sort things out on or before the commencement of the protest. But if TUC failed to join, we support NLC to carry on with the strike,” Lawal stated.
Wale Adebisi, Director of Ola-Oni Centre, asserted that the protest in Osogbo aimed to send a strong message to those in authority, indicating that February 27 and 28 would witness nationwide protests.
Adebisi urged Tinubu to fulfill promises made to Nigerians after the removal of the fuel subsidy, addressing the worsened economic predicament.
Ayo Ologun, spokesperson for The Osun Mastermind, criticized the policies and programs implemented by the Tinubu administration, citing the absence of CNG buses, no increase in the national minimum wage, and the high price of Premium Motor Spirit.
READ ALSO: TUC Disagrees With NLC Over Nationwide Protest Call
“No CNG buses. No increased national minimum wage. High price of Premium Motor Spirit, high cost of living among others have left many Nigerians suffering,” Ologun stressed.
Ologun called on Tinubu to promptly fulfill promises made to organized labor to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Notably, Security personnel were present at the protest scene to prevent any public disturbance and violence.
