Osun Group Gives Tinubu 7-day Ultimatum to Address Worsening Economic Hardship
The Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC), yesterday, gave President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seven days ultimatum to address the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria or be ready to face mass action.
Members of the coalition who stormed the Osun NUJ Correspondents Chapel, had threatened to stage a protest if the president failed to find lasting solution to the economic hardship ravaging the country.
While vowing to mobilise residents across the state, the human rights activists said they were not afraid of arrest on the protest.
Addressing a press conference, the Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal and Secretary, Comrade Olowu Emmanuel, said the ultimatum which began yesterday (Thursday) would expire next week Tuesday during which they would mobilise members, labour Unions, market Women and students to occupy the streets in Nigeria.
"Going by the worsening Economic situation at the moment we the umbrella body of all Civil Society Organisations in Osun State is here today to address members of the fourth estate of the realm on the worsening economic hardship in Nigeria.
"The media practitioners are also victims of the pains and agony that the fuel subsidy removal and floating of naira have caused. So, whatever we claim as fact can be verified from your end,” they said.
According to them, the removal of subsidies had cast a shadow over the economic stability of Nigeria, and also hampering productivity, thereby killing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
"It is taking away the purchasing power of the Nigerian people, creating hunger, starvation and skyrocketing foodstuffs and essential commodities prices, among other woes.
"The worse of the agonies is the ongoing food crisis where staple foods are now exclusive and unaffordable for the common Nigerians. The hardship is more alarming and heading towards elastic limit.
"It is only a government of the mafias that will deprive the mass majority of Nigerians to please the capitalists and their cronies.
"Where are the gains of subsidy removal?
They have been cornered by the executive and legislative arms of government. The people have been forgotten.
"With all indications, it appears that President Bola Tinubu goofed on the pronouncement of subsidy removal. It was unexpected of somebody with a life-long ambition to make a loose statement that has been the albatross of his administration till now.
"The masses cannot continue to make sacrifice when the government officials are lavishing the common patrimony. Governors, National and State lawmakers and their cronies have been living large on our common wealth.
"We hereby give the federal government seven days ultimatum to address the worsening economic situation, failure of which we are going to occupy the state and Nigeria at large.
"We call on labour and trade unions, artisans, market men and women, students and other Nigerians being affected by this economic hardship to join the imminent struggle of Occupy Nigeria 2024."