A coalition of Nigerian civil society groups has scheduled a mass protest for Wednesday, June 12, to oppose the severe economic hardship and hunger faced by citizens under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The participating groups include the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), the African Action Congress party (AAC), the Joint Action Front (JAF), the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), the Socialist Workers and Youth League (SWL), and PRP Vanguard.
In a joint statement titled “Enough is Enough to Hardship and Hunger Great Nigerian People,” the organizations expressed their concerns over the increased difficulties Nigerians have faced since the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023. They highlighted the surge in prices for fuel, food, transportation, electricity, school fees, and other basic necessities, which have become unaffordable for the average Nigerian.
The statement emphasized the widespread hunger and poverty affecting Nigerians, stating, “Hardly is any average Nigerian able to feed. We are hungry. Our children are hungry. Our youth are becoming criminals and prostitutes. Things are hard.”
The groups criticized the government and its allies, accusing them of benefiting from the nation’s wealth while ordinary citizens suffer. “President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the First Son have turned Nigeria’s common wealth into their private feeding bottle,” the statement read. “The governors, senators, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly members are collecting fat salaries and allowances. Their friends in business like Aliko Dangote and other thieves are also smiling to the bank. Yet they tell us to tighten our belts.”
The coalition urged Nigerians to join the protest, calling for collective action to demand change. “We say enough is enough. If you are hungry and angry, then let us do something about our condition. Don’t sleep at home expecting your condition to become better by miracle,” the groups stated. “As they say, heaven helps those who help themselves. We must stop agonizing, let’s start organizing. Join us in a peaceful mass protest. Let’s take Nigeria back from the capitalist vultures who have bled it dry. The time for system change is now.”