Nigeria @64: Protesters rally against economic hardships in Osun

Hundreds of people gathered on Tuesday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, to express their grievances over the country’s biting economic hardships.

The protesters first converged at the popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, where they held a mini rally before marching around the town to voice their anger against the battered economy that has caused untold hardship for everyone in society.

The demonstrators, comprising students, artisans, workers, and others, arrived as early as 9:00 a.m. and organized themselves into a formidable group before proceeding with their protest march.

Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, such as “President Tinubu is a disaster for this country,” “This administration has wreaked havoc on its citizens beyond expression,” and “Tinubu is a tyrannical leader with a wicked heart,” the protesters sang various solidarity songs to emphasize their demands.

The demonstrators caused traffic jams in the Okefia, Old Garage, and Olaiya areas of the town, affirming that there would be no retreat and no surrender in their quest to ensure that their demands are met by the federal government.

They urged the Tinubu administration to redeem its name by finding solutions to the economic challenges in the country.

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According to them, “President Tinubu should reverse the removal of fuel subsidies to help curb the rising cost of living, including soaring food prices.”

Meanwhile, heavy security personnel were stationed at strategic locations throughout the town to ensure that law and order were maintained during the protest.

Speaking with reporters, the coordinator of the protest, Adetunji Ajala, criticized the government’s “I don’t care attitude” toward addressing the needs of the masses. “It is sad that those in power have no regard for the suffering of the people.”

“They waste our resources and implement policies that worsen the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.”

“Enough is enough. We will continue to protest until the government listens to the voice of the people,” he stressed.

However, normal activities were not disrupted by the protesters, as shop owners and market women continued to run their businesses, and vehicular movement went on undisturbed in the town.