By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Amid tight security, Sahara Reporters Publisher, leader Revolution Now Movement, and convener of #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, led a coalition of civil societies in a peaceful demonstration in Lagos, shutting down Ikeja and environs.

The Nationwide demonstration, tagged; “National Day of Survival” according to the organisers served as a message to the authorities and protest against the excruciating condition of hardship, poverty and hunger imposed on citizens by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The protesters, who chanted anti-government slogans, displayed placards with various inscriptions decrying the plights of Nigerians and the insensitivity of governments.

At least 27 Civil Society Organisations CSOs, joined in the demonstration which started at about 8 am. The protesters converged on Underbridge Ikeja where they marched along Awolowo Way towards Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, en route Gani Fawenhmi Freedom Park, Ojota, under the watchful eyes of armed security personnel.

The coordinator of the Lagos protest, Comrade Hassan Taiwo, alias, Soweto, addressed the protesters and reeled out 10-point demands for President Tinubu’s administration to meet.

Some of the demands by the groups include: Say no to IMF neo-liberal policies. Reverse hike in fuel price and electricity tariff back to pre-May 29, 2023 level. Make government-owned refineries work to guarantee affordable fuel products. Reduce food prices and end hunger. Support farmers to ensure sustainable food production, and end insecurity, banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes. Prosecute culprits and their sponsors.

A robust security architecture and adequate support for soldiers at the front and their families, release Adaramoye Michael Lenin, MosiuSodiq, Daniel Akande and all #EndBadGovernance protesters, activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and other victims of state repression unconditionally, implement N70,000 New National Minimum wage at all levels, reduce the cost of governance, among others.

Also, some of the CSOs in attendance include: “Socialist Labour, Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights, CDWR, Movement for African Emancipation, MAE, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, CHSR Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria, IBBN, Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation, Gafamorg, Committee for Defense of Human Rights, CDHR, Front line Socio-Economy Research Centre, Plebeians Aginats Human Right Abuse, PAHRA, among others.