Nigerians are set to take to the streets on August 1st in a nationwide citizens’ protest against hunger and hardships, despite government threats and gimmicks.

The United Action Front of Civil Society (UAFCS) has commended citizens’ determination and resilience, urging the government to take immediate action to address their demands.

“No amount of threats, hoodwinking, and games by the government can stop the peaceful nationwide protests,” said Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the Coordinating Secretariat of UAFCS. “If the government is serious about averting the protest, it should immediately address citizens’ demands.”

Citizens are demanding the reversal of fuel prices to pre-January 2023 levels, reduction of electricity tariffs, drastic reduction of government profligacy, and democratic reforms of the constitution.

“These demands are essential to suspending the nationwide citizens’ mass demonstrations,” Okunniyi emphasized.

The government’s failure to address these concerns will be responsible for any unintended consequences of the protests.

“Government should be held responsible for not taking urgent steps in addressing the crucial concerns and interests of Nigerians critical to the planned nationwide mass protest,” Okunniyi warned.

With the protests looming, the government must take immediate action to address the grievances of Nigerians.

As Okunniyi noted, “For democracy to thrive in Nigeria, elections to be credible, and the country to be politically stable and prosperous, citizens and peoples of Nigeria have agitated severally for government to initiate a profound process of democratic reforms.”