Protesters from the Edo State Civil Society Organisation (EDOSCO) called on the Federal Government to address the suffering of the masses during a rally in Benin on Wednesday. They urged the government to implement policies that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
Kola Edokpayi, a leader of EDOSCO, expressed the group’s frustration over the state of the nation, criticizing the current democratic practices.
“We completely reject this form of democracy being practiced in the country. This democracy is not for the people; it is against the people. We cannot remain silent amidst poverty, hardship, and unemployment,” Edokpayi stated.
He emphasized the dire economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu, saying, “The masses are suffocating due to hunger, poverty, and economic downturn. We are here today to voice our frustration over the state of the nation.”
Edokpayi warned that the failure to address these issues could lead to increased agitation for self-determination, as seen in the South East. “Those leading the country have failed miserably. They travel abroad and see how things work, yet they fail to replicate those systems here.”
The protesters demanded immediate action from the government to alleviate the suffering of the people. “We call on the government to end the suffering of the masses and institute policies that will improve the lives of Nigerians,” Edokpayi said.
He highlighted the need for employment opportunities and a conducive environment for investors, stressing the importance of tackling insecurity and fixing the power sector. “Why are they increasing tariffs when the power supply is so unreliable? The suffering must end so that the masses stop agitating for their rights,” he concluded.
