Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), activist-musician Falz, and a coalition of civil society organisations have called for a nationwide protest on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and the rising cost of living across the country.
Key highlight:
- Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, activist-musician Falz, and civil society groups have called for a nationwide protest on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
- Organisers say the demonstration is intended to highlight worsening insecurity, economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
- The coalition includes the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Joint Action Front, Youth Rights Campaign, labour activists, and community organisations.
- Protest organisers expressed concern over persistent kidnappings, banditry, terrorist attacks, and other violent crimes affecting communities across Nigeria.
- Demonstrations are expected in several states as participants call for stronger security measures, economic relief policies, and improved welfare for citizens.
The coalition, comprising the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Joint Action Front (JAF), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), labour activists, community organisations, and other concerned citizens, announced the planned demonstration in a statement released ahead of the national holiday.
According to the organisers, the protest is aimed at drawing attention to the security and economic challenges facing millions of Nigerians despite repeated assurances by government officials that conditions are improving.
The coalition stated that many Nigerians have little reason to celebrate Democracy Day as inflation, food prices, unemployment, and insecurity continue to affect households across the country.
The groups also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of kidnappings, banditry, terrorist attacks, and other violent crimes in several states, arguing that many communities remain vulnerable despite ongoing security operations.
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They called on the Federal Government to take more decisive steps to protect lives and property and ensure the safe return of citizens currently being held captive by criminal groups.
The coalition referenced recent security incidents in parts of Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger states, describing them as evidence of the need for urgent intervention.
“The Nigerian people deserve a government that prioritises the protection of lives and property and addresses the growing economic hardship facing citizens,” the statement said.
The organisers added that the June 12 protest would form part of a broader campaign to advocate for improved security, economic relief measures, and policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
The planned demonstrations are expected to take place in several states across the federation as citizens mark Democracy Day.
The announcement has generated discussion on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concerns over the country’s security situation and economic conditions, while others have called for dialogue between the government and concerned stakeholders to address the issues raised by the organisers.
As Democracy Day approaches, attention is expected to focus on the planned demonstrations and the government’s response to the concerns highlighted by the coalition.
