Protest: CSOs ask FG to take immediate action against hunger, size of government

A group of civil society organisations (CSOs) has asked the federal government to immediately tackle the issues that led to the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest. 

The CSOs include Accountability Lab Nigeria, Dataphyte Foundation, BudgIT Foundation, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda, Yiaga Africa, and Paradigm Initiative among others.

On August 4, President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians amid the protest.

In a statement signed by the 18 CSOs, the group said the president did not address the core demands of the protesters in his speech. 

They also asked the federal government to implement the Oronsaye report. 

“As concerned civil society organizations helping to articulate the valid and most amplified points in this conversation about our national development which have been made on all sides from well meaning Nigerians, we call on our government to take immediate action to end the insecurity, hunger, and corruption that continue to plague our nation,” the statement reads.

“By cutting down the size and costs of governance and implementing the Oronsaye report, more resources can and should be directed toward addressing the pressing needs of citizens.

“The Federal Government and National Assembly must ensure that the federal budget is focused on more essential projects.”

The CSOs also asked for the implementation of constitutional and judicial reforms, electoral reforms, and a living wage.

“There are also reports of the bank accounts of some protesters and critics of government policies being blocked, while some journalists covering the protests are being brutalized, harassed and intimidated, which are gravely concerning,” the group added.

“It is important that all voices are heard and respected. We urge the government to move forward with its stated commitment to engage with its citizens and take meaningful action to address these pressing issues.”

The group added that it rejects “calls for unconstitutional change of government” as “this has no place in our democracy”.