“Osun CSOs Demand Return of Subsidies and Release of Protesters from Tinubu or Face Renewed Protests”
President Bola Tinubu has been urged by the Osun State Civil Societies Coalition (OSCC) to reinstate subsidies on electricity and fuel or face an escalation in public demonstrations. The coalition, which represents various civil society organizations in the state, issued a statement at the conclusion of the official 10-day period for the #EndBadGovernance protest.
In a statement signed by OSCC Chairman Waheed Lawal, the coalition criticized President Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast addressing the protests, arguing that it failed to address the core issues raised by the demonstrators. Lawal emphasized that the government’s current palliatives are insufficient and that substantive policies are needed to alleviate the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Lawal stressed the coalition’s demands:
The removal of fuel and electricity subsidies has led to hyperinflation, increased cost of living, and economic strain. The OSCC called for the immediate restoration of these subsidies to mitigate these issues.
The OSCC demanded the release of all protesters detained during the #EndBadGovernance and previous #EndSARS protests. They also called for adequate compensation for violations of human rights experienced by those arrested.
The coalition urged the federal government to implement policies that provide genuine relief rather than distributing palliatives that do not address the root causes of the economic crisis.
Lawal warned that if the government does not respond to these demands, the OSCC would organize a larger, more organized movement, signaling a potential for renewed protests. The coalition remains committed to advocating for better governance and improved living conditions for Nigerians.