..Urges review of subsidy policy.
Emmanuel Abi Couson
The Civil Liberties Organisation,CLO, in Akwa Ibom has expressed regret and disappointment over the inability of the Federal Government to address rising cost of goods and worsening hunger that have pervaded Nigeria in recent times.
In a statement endorsed by it’s chairman, Barr Godknows Njoku in Uyo on thursday the organization maintained that the right of Nigerians to a peaceful protest remained sacrosanct and called on government to provide adequate security to Nigerians who would want to participate in the nationwide protest against hunger and hardship.
The statement said that the current government has not done enough in catering for the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria.
“There is visible hunger and insecurity in the country and if nothing is done urgently to check this menace it can plunged this country into chaos.
They urge government to a matter of urgency review the fuel subsidy policy and ensure the reduction in prices of petroleum products and other essential commodities in the market to ameliorate the hardship faced by the masses.”.
It however called on the protesters to avoid the use of violence and ensure that the action is not hijacked by hoodlums.
“The CLO in Akwa Ibom State is emphatic on the fact that the right to peaceful protests is constitutional guaranteed and government is duty bound to provide security for all peaceful and legitimate protesters in Akwa Ibom State or anywhere in Nigeria.
“But violence or any form of criminality should be avoided by all protesters as doing so will defeat the essence of the protest and the protest would be hijacked by hoodlums.
“But CLO Akwa Ibom State would not take part in the planned protests scheduled for 1st of August, 2024 in the state as the organisers of the protests are unknown to us
“However as a Human Rights and pro democracy group we shall ensure that the fundamental rights of legitimate and peaceful protesters are respected and protected by law enforcement agents.” The statement said.
It therefore called on Governor Umo Eno and the state commissioner of Police to ensure that the rights of citizens embarking on peaceful protests in the State are not violated in any way
It also called on the state government to provide more incentives and palliatives to cushion the economic hardship of the people in the state.
