Falana, coalition declare June 12 nationwide protests over insecurity, economic hardship

A coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements, and faith-based organisations has declared June 12 as a day of nationwide protest and mass action against worsening insecurity and escalating economic hardship in Nigeria.

The declaration was made in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by prominent figures including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Yinka Folarin of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, and Hassan Soweto of the #EndBadGovernance Movement. Other signatories include activist Yusha’u Yankuzo, Ali Attahiru, and rapper Falz (Folarin Falana).

The coalition stated that the protest aims to demand the immediate release of Nigerians held captive across various states, including Oyo, Borno, Ekiti, and Kwara. According to the group, there is nothing to celebrate on June 12 as many citizens continue to live in fear of attacks by terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

The statement noted that innocent Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced, and traumatised while government responses remain inadequate. It added that despite repeated assurances, communities are attacked, schools are threatened, farmers cannot access their farms safely, highways remain unsafe, and many families live with the pain of losing loved ones or having relatives in captivity.

The coalition also decried the economic hardship caused by policies of the current administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy, repeated fuel price increases, currency devaluation, rising electricity tariffs, and the commercialisation of essential services.

It noted that despite increased monthly statutory allocations to the three tiers of government, the people are getting poorer, with food prices skyrocketing and transportation costs becoming unbearable.

The group urged Nigerians to join the June 12 protests across the country to compel the government to take urgent action on security and reverse anti-poor economic policies.

The coalition called on civil society organisations and progressive groups to unite and demand the release of all captives and oppose policies that have increased poverty.