Falana, Falz, Others Protest Insecurity, Poverty In Lagos

Senior Advocate Of Nigeria Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz, along with some Nigerians took to the streets to protest against the insecurity and poverty wrecking the country.

The protesters, under the cover of the Peoples Alternative Political Movement, marched from Ikeja Bus Stop to the Governor’s Office through the Secretariat to the Lagos State House of Assembly chanting protest songs.

The movement is a coalition of hundreds of groups including the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates, the Alliance On Surviving COVID 19 And Beyond; Joint Action Front; Coalition Of Northern Groups; Green Alliance Nigeria; CONGOS – Edo; North East Development Association and their respective affiliates.

The demonstration, which was tagged, ‘Enough is Enough’, lasted for several hours as youths carried placards which read, ‘No to Exploitation and Multiple Taxation’, ‘Provide Jobs or Unemployment Benefits for Youths’, ‘Provide Security in Schools’, ‘End Kidnapping and Banditry’ and ‘Stop Killings, Secure Nigeria’.

The protesters, which included trade unions, civil society, students, farmers, and peasants, were led by a foremost activist Jaye Gaskiya

Gaskiya said the protest was organized to express displeasure over how badly the country had degenerated.

He expressed worry that Nigeria, characterized by extreme poverty, arms proliferation, religious intolerance, the rise of hate, and ethnic nationalism is moving towards social upheavals due to exploitation of the people, greed, and avarice of a spineless political class that has reached its wit’s end.

A statement issued captured seven key demands which include the immediate convening of the Nigeria Police Council to discuss the security challenges and an end to the arbitrary sacking of workers.

It further stated, “We reject any plans to further hike energy costs – in the price of fuel and electricity tariff; as these costs are not only already at unbearable levels, but also because these price hikes are the major cause of rising and unbearable costs of living, expressed in rising inflation.”