In a strong show of solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has thrown its weight behind the NLC’s planned two-day nationwide warning strike. The protest aims to denounce the economic hardships faced by Nigerians due to what CHRICED terms the “anti-people economic policies” of the Tinubu administration, in effect since 29 May, 2023.
According to the press release issued by CHRICED on 25 February, 2024, the strike is deemed necessary as a response to the perceived insensitivity of the APC-led federal government and the 36 state governors towards the well-being of the citizens. The policies in question include the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira in the foreign exchange market.
CHRICED accuses the current administration, led by President Tinubu, of having a “careless attitude” towards addressing the economic fallout resulting from these policies. The press release states that the administration’s failure to implement effective mitigating plans has led to a dramatic deterioration of Nigeria’s economy over the past nine months.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, criticises President Tinubu and his advisors for wiping out the middle class from Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. He highlights the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, pushing ordinary Nigerians to a point where they can no longer afford necessities. Zikirullahi emphasises that the quality of life and standard of living for Nigerians are rapidly declining due to the unbearably high cost of living.
CHRICED further points out that the ongoing inflationary pattern in the nation is primarily due to escalating costs rather than heightened demand. The elimination of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira against major currencies has directly impacted the final cost of consumer goods, according to the release. The organisation criticises the government’s approach of consistently raising import duties, exacerbating the situation further.
In a rallying call to all Nigerians, regardless of age or gender, CHRICED urges citizens to participate in large numbers in the nationwide strike on the 27th and 28th of February. The organisation sees this as an opportunity for all Nigerians, employed or unemployed, young or old, to take a stand against the pervasive poverty in the country and to “win back the soul of our beloved country.”
On social media, #EndHungerProtest is trending.
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