A GROUP of Kano-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has decried the current economic hardship in Nigeria just as it also condemned the brutal attack on the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero in Owerri, Imo State capital last week.
The position is contained in a press release on Monday, signed by leaders of 32 CSOs in Kano State, working in various fields.
The release reads:
“We are a Group of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in various fields of human endeavour in Kano State and beyond.
“This press release serves to express our continuous dismay over the economic hardship resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria.
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“We are also concerned with the recent manhandling of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, by security agencies in Imo State, resulting in injuries.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on the already struggling economy of Nigeria.
“The increase in fuel prices has led to an increase in the cost of living, making it difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic necessities.
“We are calling on the government to reconsider the removal of fuel subsidy and other anti-people policies and also find alternative solutions to address the economic challenges facing the country.
“We also wish to express our dismay about the recent incident in Imo State, where the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was manhandled by security agencies during a protest on non-payment of workers by the Imo State Government.
“We strongly condemn the use of force by the security agencies against peaceful protesters and call for an investigation into the incident.”
“According to reports, Mr. Ajaero was beaten up and arrested by the police, resulting in injuries that required medical attention. We are calling for justice for Mr. Ajaero and for the perpetrators of the violence to be held accountable.
“We are urging the government to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful protest as guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Articles 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.
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“We are also calling on the government to immediately address the issues of economic hardship and insecurity in the country.”
Among signatories of the statement include, Abdullahi Y. Sule of Youth and Environmental Development Association (YEDA); Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN); Mohammed Bello of African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD); Adeniyi Aremu of Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN); Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama of Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN); Dr Mohamamed Mustapha Yahaya of Democratic Action Group (DAG); Comrade A. A. Haruna Ayagi of Human Rights Network of Nigeria (HRN); Comrade Hassan Musa Yaro of Cardinal Aid Development Support Initiative; Aisha Haruna Kabuga of Women for Development and Empowerment and Umar Saleh Anka of Centre for Environment and Rural Development (CERD).
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Others signatories are Comrade Idris Ibrahim Unguwar Gini – Kano Youth Promotion Council (KYPC)); Isiyaku Ahmed – Voice and Accountability Platform (VAP); Comrade Ali Waliy – Network for Environmental Safety and Society Development (NESSD); Comrade Salisu Gambo Deetol – Youth Mobilization by Media (YMBM); Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State; Muhammad Yahaya – Youth Empowerment and Human Development (YEHDI); Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State; Comrade Sani Ibrahim Narogo – Joint Action Front (JAF), Kano State; Comrade Rukayya Abdulrahman – Alkhairi Orphanage and Women Development (AOWD) and A’isha Yakubu Maijama’a – Women Leadership in Nigeria, among others.
