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)