The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations recently led a protest in Benin City, Edo State, sparking a wave of attention and reflection among the population. The largely deserted streets of the city bore witness to the impact of the event, as members of the group, including organisations such as ANEEJ, Talakawa Republic, Take it Back Movement and Faculty of Peace Organization, voiced key demands.
At the heart of their demands are critical issues such as the need to restore the fuel subsidy, improve national security and return to a single legislative body. These demands reflect the concerns and challenges facing many Nigerians today.
The group’s coordinator, Dr Lawal Haifz, stressed the urgency of restoring the fuel subsidy, noting that its removal, combined with growing insecurity and the devaluation of the naira, has pushed many families into poverty. He stressed the importance of security to enable farmers to go and cultivate their lands, noting that the current famine is partly due to the inability of farmers to ply their trade safely.
Furthermore, Dr Haifz questioned the wisdom of maintaining two separate legislatures, suggesting that the resources spent on this could be better used to meet the basic needs of the country. He also highlighted the economic distress experienced by many Nigerians, noting that the current minimum wage is grossly inadequate to meet basic needs such as food.
The positive reception of the protesters by the Secretary of the NUJ, Comrade Adny Egbon, underscores the importance of giving a voice to those who defend the interests of the masses. The peaceful protests by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations are a testament to their determination to promote the welfare of the citizens and to constructively voice their demands.
Ultimately, this protest raises critical questions about the direction the country should take to ensure the welfare of its people. The demands of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations call for urgent action to restore balance and meet the basic needs of Nigerians.