Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Gombe on Saturday said it members will not join the forthcoming protest.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the protest is alleged to be in solidarity of bad governance and hunger.
Our Correspondent reports that the group comprises of Gombe Peace Forum, Women of Hope, Peace, Justice for Youth of Nigeria, Life of Hope Foundation, Arewa Youth Movement Gombe State, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Join Hand Cooperative.
Others include Hikima Foundation, Rashida Multipurpose Society, Sen.Leet, PDP Youths, Tabra Youth Forum, Jewel Youth Forum, North Youth Forum, and Women Initiative for Good Government.
Speaking during a press conference in Gombe State, the Convener, Dr Habeeb Muhammad, said the 15 like-minded groups came to the conclusion after series of meetings and due consultation with religious leaders traditional rulers, individuals, organisations, security agencies, and other interested parties and stakeholders.
According to Muhammad, the protest could be hijacked as the mass action lacked identified leaders
Muhammad said, “We hereby announce our withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest scheduled for 1st 10th of August.The following factors led to this decision: Lack of clarity of leadership leading the protest, specifically the absence of identified national protest leaders, which makes us question the protests vision, mission, aim and objectives as well as the direction the protest is heading to.
“Potential hijacking of the protest procession which generates safety and security concerns.”
The group urged government to take practical steps towards avoiding the occurrence of the planned protest, adding that measures should be taken towards mitigating the consequences of hardship.
“Implement effective measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
“Develop and implement policies to alleviate poverty and promote economic prosperity.
“Invest in the revitalisation of our refineries to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
“Reverse the current petrol price to below 300/ltr to reduce the burden on citizens.
“Review and reverse the current electricity tariffs to make electricity affordable for all.
“Restore tertiary institution fees to
their previous rates to make education accessible to all.
“Cut the cost of governance, give careful consideration to international loans and the debt burden of the nation to help the economy of country.
“Cut tax by 50 per cent on citizens to increase and help stimulate the disposable income and economic growth for SMEs.
“Minimum wage of N70,000 and improve welfare packages for workers,” the statement partly added.
