In a resounding expression of discontent, Nigerians in Osun State took to the streets on Friday in a fervent protest against the prevailing hardship inflicted by the administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
The demonstrators, echoing the sentiments of many across the nation, voiced their exasperation at the escalating economic challenges, asserting that they could no longer endure the strain.
Gathering in Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State, a group of impassioned youths rallied together, brandishing placards emblazoned with poignant messages such as “change the unfavourable policies,” “Nigerians are suffering, we can’t cope again,” and “We are humans, stop mistreating the citizens.”
Their presence along MDS Road, Osogbo, served as a visible testament to their discontent and their determination to compel governmental action.
Despite the palpable tension and a significant police presence, the protesters maintained a peaceful demeanor, their chants reverberating through the streets, echoing the collective frustration of a populace grappling with the harsh realities of economic downturn.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Waheed Lawal, the chairman of Osun Civil Societies Coalition, affirmed their unwavering resolve to persist until tangible solutions are forthcoming from the Federal Government.
“Government must ameliorate the suffering of the people,” he declared, emphasizing the imperative of responsive governance in alleviating the plight of citizens. “Nigerians deserve the best. They promised us renewed hope but what they are giving us now is renewed hardship.”
The grievances aired by the protesters extended beyond economic concerns, encompassing a broader call for enhanced security measures to safeguard lives and property.
Lawal highlighted the pervasive sense of insecurity pervading the nation, with citizens feeling vulnerable even in their daily travels. He underscored the urgency of the government’s duty to provide adequate security, condemning the recent spate of monarch abductions as indicative of systemic failures.
The protest in Osun State mirrors a wider wave of discontent sweeping across the nation, with similar demonstrations reported in Kogi and Niger States.
In Kogi, market traders lamented the soaring prices of essential goods, while in Niger State, residents decried the unbearable inflationary pressures exacerbated by the current administration.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with the ramifications of economic hardship and insecurity, the protests serve as a poignant reminder of the collective power of citizen action in holding elected officials accountable.
The resolute voices echoing from the streets demand not just acknowledgment but meaningful action from those entrusted with the stewardship of the nation’s welfare.
In the face of adversity, Nigerians reaffirm their commitment to pressing for change, asserting their rights to a dignified existence free from the shackles of economic deprivation.
