A group of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano have expressed dismay over the current economic hardship suffered by Nigerians.
It also condemned the Police brutality of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero in Imo State.
This was contained in a statement, Monday, signed by the leaders of the 32 CSOs in Kano.
The statement read;
“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.
“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.
“We are also calling on the government to immediately address the issues of economic hardship and insecurity in the country.
Endorsed by:
1. Abdullahi Y. Sule – Youth and Environmental Development Association (YEDA)
2. Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
3. Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD)
4. Adeniyi Aremu – Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN)
5. Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
6. Dr. Mohamamed Mustapha Yahaya – Democratic Action Group (DAG)
7. Comrade A. A. Haruna Ayagi – Human Rights Network of Nigeria (HRN)
8. Comrade Hassan Musa Yaro – Cardinal Aid Development Support Initiative
9. Aisha Haruna Kabuga – Women for Development and Empowerment
10. Umar Saleh Anka – Centre for Environment and Rural Development (CERD)
11. Comrade Idris Ibrahim Unguwar Gini – Kano Youth Promotion Council (KYPC)
12. Isiyaku Ahmed – Voice and Accountability Platform (VAP)
13. Comrade Ali Waliy – Network for Environmental Safety and Society Development (NESSD)
14. Comrade Salisu Gambo Deetol – Youth Mobilization by Media (YMBM)
15. Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
16. Muhammad Yahaya – Youth Empowerment and Human Development (YEHDI)
17. Abba Bello Ahmed – Campaign for Democracy (CD), Kano State
18. Comrade Sani Ibrahim Narogo – Joint Action Front (JAF), Kano State
19. Comrade Rukayya Abdulrahman – Alkhairi Orphanage and Women Development (AOWD)
20. A’isha Yakubu Maijama’a – Women Leadership in Nigeria
21. Comrade Mohammed Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
22. Barr. Badiha A. Mu’az – RADA
23. Ambassador Usman Musa Danmari – KASYADAREC
24. Yusuf Lawan Babale – Network for Justice
25. Fatima Muhammad – Nigerian Environmental Society (NES)
26. Barr. Aminu Sani Muhammad – ROLJAN
27. Fatima Badamasi Ibrahim – Gender Support and Youth Empowerment Initiative (GENSAYE)
28. Ibrahim Saleh Muhammad – NACCRAN
29. Comrade Hadiza A. Kishimi – OGP
30. Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
31. Musa Kaila – Grassroot Development for the Disadvantaged Group
32. Abdullahi Zakari – Tauraruwa Awareness and Development Association
