A Civil Societies Coalition, OCSC, an umbrella body of pressure groups in Osun State on Thursday gave the federal government a 7-day ultimatum to address economic hardship facing Nigerians as a result of hike in the price of petroleum products in the country or face the wrath of the masses.

The Chairman of the group, Comrade Waheed Lawal, while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, threatened to organize a massive protest if the Federal Government does not address the economic hardship on ground.

OCSC also implored the government to hasten the provision of the anticipated palliatives to lessen the impact of the rising trend in prices on economic agents.

The civil societies coalitions, however, stated that they will lead a mass of the people out on the street for a protest if the government fails to resolve all issues within one week.

According to the statement, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this State of the Nation Address by Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC), an umbrella of pressure groups working hard to ensure that Osun State and Nigeria continues on the path of sustainable development and positive growth.

holding the government accountable both at the state and the federal level.

“This address becomes imperative given the state of things in the nation and the groaning of the people we represent. We believe this is a time to speak up and address critical issues lest we have on our hand, a March of the people for freedom and emancipation that may be worse than what we witnessed at the ENDSARS revolt.

“Many Nigerians who are feeling the pinch of economic reform have complained that politicians have shown no signs of cutting down the cost of governance and share in the pain. As a matter of fact, the common people have lost confidence in the leadership of political functionaries.

“Dear friends, the last few months have not been pleasant for majority of Nigerians. Hitherto, Nigerians have been struggling to survive. However, the subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and the implementation of a value-added tax on diesel imports are causing further spikes in the prices of goods and exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis in Africa’s biggest economy.

“It is getting difficult daily for Nigerians, especially with the recent petrol subsidy removal and naira float and other reforms the Tinubu’s led-government is doing.

“They are good reforms but they are seriously hurting Nigerians and businesses. Many families can’t even afford to eat twice daily anymore as prices keep soaring. The fuel subsidy removal is already having a killing effect on the common people,” he said. (Courtesy, excluding headline, Nigerian Tribune)

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