The Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSFront), a coalition of the organised civil society platforms, human rights organisations, faith-based organisations, women-led associations, indigenous bodies, youths movements and labour unions in Nigeria, has given a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address all cases arising from the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests, and ensure that no one is unduly criminalised or punished.

The coalition In a statement on Thursday signed by Amb Nkoyo Toyo, the Chief Spokesperson, LCSFront, also drew the attention of the government and the Nigeria police to the duty to protect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens and the character of Nigeria’s democracy which is founded on liberal democratic values.

The group also urged the government to, without delay, announce a framework for addressing the lingering allegations against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president and employees of the Ivy Bookshop located in the NLC complex.

“Such a framework must ensure that grievances are contained and all parties work towards the resolution of the simmering crisis.

“We urge you to openly and transparently address all cases arising from the #EndBadGovernance protest as a means of restoring trust between the law enforcement authorities, government and citizens who are presently battling serious economic and security challenges. This is the much needed approach towards the maintenance of social harmony, while upholding the rule of law in the face of growing national discontent.”

LCSFront added, “Explore in the shortest possible time, other mechanisms and accessible techniques of engagement with the youths in particular and develop better channels of communication between the citizens, youth, police and government.

“To this end, the government should without delay dialogue with known protest voices and civil society leaders to avert another nationwide mass protest slated for October.

“LCSFront believes that government should as a matter of responsibility and urgency seek ways to stem the worsening conditions of life for most Nigerians and review some recent policy dimensions that are crippling citizens’ livelihoods and pauperising Nigerians such as the present irresponsible fuel scarcity in the country even at exorbitant price, the callous hike in the price of petrol today by the NNPCL, which was clearly against government recent agreement with labour over the minimum wage as well as the popular demand of citizens that fuel price should be brought down to N167 of pre-January 2023 to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.

“Lastly, as a clear sign of rapprochement and leadership, the government should release civil protesters currently being detained by security agencies under very combative and vindictive charges such as (A) conspiracy to commit treason. B. Inciting mutiny. C. Levying war against the state. D. Carrying placards saying #EndBadGovernance and E. Causing damage in Kano, Abuja and Nyanya.

“Against this background, the LCSFront views the willful actions of the Nigeria police against peaceful protesters as an affront and selective and coming on the heels of the mass demonstrations popularly known as #EndBadGovernance”, she added. (Daily Independent)

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