Olusegun Adeyemo
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Oyo State on Thursday, being June 12 and Democracy Day in Nigeria, staged a peaceful protest at Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan, to express their dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of national issues.
Speaking with The Journal Nigeria correspondent, the Public Relations Officer of the Take It Back Movement, Comrade Ekanem Godswill, stated that the protest was organized due to the federal government’s continued indifference to the suffering of Nigerians.
Comrade Godswill emphasized that the protest would persist until the government listens and finds lasting solutions to the various socio-economic challenges affecting the country.
He added that Nigeria no longer practices democracy but has instead embraced dictatorship.
Highlighting the hardship faced by ordinary citizens, Comrade Godswill lamented that the average Nigerian now struggles to afford two square meals a day.
“Imagine a family with five children, how much would they need just to feed daily?” he questioned.
He further stated that the current salary scale is inadequate to afford basic household necessities.
“This is a struggle for survival, and we will not remain silent until the government hears our voices,” he declared.
Also speaking at the protest, the Convener of the Joint Action Front (JAF), Professor Aremu, cited the skyrocketing prices of food items and other essential goods as a major reason for the demonstration.
According to him, the federal government must urgently introduce policies that will alleviate the suffering of the people and improve living conditions.
Journal Nigeria Corespondent, who was present at the protest ground, reported that security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Amotekun, DSS, and FRSC, were on ground to maintain peace and order.