In a bold display of discontent, hundreds of residents in Osogbo, Osun State, defied police warnings and marched through the streets to protest against the escalating economic hardship and rising insecurity in the country.
The protest, which unfolded just hours after the police urged residents to cancel the demonstration due to potential violence concerns, saw participants brandishing banners and placards while chanting anti-government slogans.
The procession, led by Comrade Waheed Lawal, commenced at the Old Garage area, winding through Freedom Park, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Alekuwodo, and concluding in the Oke-Fia district. Despite the police’s presence, the demonstration remained peaceful.
Lawal, the leader of the protesters, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, asserting that they are anti-people and fail to alleviate the suffering of the masses. He emphasised the need for tangible reforms that benefit the citizens rather than exacerbate their hardships.
Lawal stated, “They must do whatever they need to do to make sure that people benefit from the reforms. They promised us renewed hope but what they are giving us now is renewed hardship, we reject renewed hardship in our lives, and in our economy because Nigerians deserve the best.
“What Nigerians want is a peaceful atmosphere. We don’t want insecurity in our land again because with the state of insecurity in the country, you can’t travel from Osogbo to Ibadan with your mind at rest, you will be thinking you may be kidnapped.
“Kidnapping of Monarchs is the order of the day in our country now. We urge the government to provide security for lives and property. Every government that fails to provide security for the lives of the citizens is no longer a government.”
Lawal concluded with a stern warning to the government, stating, “What we are saying is simple, we are ready to face the government on this hardship. We have started this struggle today and if government fails to listen to us, we will continue to mobilise our people to refuse this hardship because enough is enough.”