By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
The Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, in Akwa Ibom has expressed disgust over the failure of governments at all levels to live up to its billing to ensure the welfare and security of its citizenry, following the harrowing economic experience in Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday in Uyo and endorsed by its chairman, Comrade Nsemeke Udoakpan and Secretary, Barr Eseme Philip, the organization decried the scarcity of new Naira notes, epileptic electricity supply and galloping inflation currently experienced by Nigerians.
“It is all the more shameful that there appears to be no coordinated response from the appropriate authorities to address these issues. Noteworthy is the fact that State Governments appear helpless in the current situation.
“We call on the Akwa Ibom State Government to intensify efforts to ensure that petroleum products meant for Akwa Ibom State are not diverted to another State.
“Also, we urge the State Government to work in synergy with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the new Naira notes are distributed fairly by commercial banks operating in the State to its customers to ease the hardship currently faced by the masses.” The statement said.
The organization said it would continue to monitor its national body for a co-ordinated response to the developments even as it had received reports of protests in some cities, some of which have degenerated into confrontation with security agencies, especially in Ibadan and Benin.
“The Akwa Ibom State Branch of CLO commends residents of Akwa Ibom State for their resilience in spite of obvious provocation. We shall keep the people informed of our next steps.” It concluded.
