June 12: CSO seeks adequate security, better living conditions for Nigerians

A Civil Society Organisation in Osun, called the Coalition against Insecurity and Bad Governance, has called for adequate security and people-focused government programmes that will help improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

The group’s Convener, Mr Kola Ibrahim, made the call in an interview with the News reporters during Friday’s protest against insecurity and economic hardship in the country held by the group across Osogbo Town.

Newsmen reports that the group marched round the town, carrying placards with various inscriptions, including: “We need a better living condition”, “Save our children and teachers now”, “Nigeria belongs to us all”, amongst others.

Ibrahim said that citizens have the right to demand accountability and good governance through peaceful means.

He expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, saying that cases of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes had continued to threaten the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.

“We urge government at all levels to take decisive measures to tackle insecurity and ensure the immediate release of all abducted persons, including schoolchildren and teachers, kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.

“We call for greater transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds allocated to security and defence.

“Also, Nigerians deserve to know how such resources had been expended,” Ibrahim said.

He decried the rising cost of living and urged the government to review economic policies that had placed additional hardship on the citizens, particularly low-income earners and vulnerable households.

He called for improved access to food, essential services and economic opportunities, which would help reduce poverty and restore public confidence.

Ibrahim further appealed to security agencies to respect the constitutional rights of citizens across the state.

He, however, urged workers, youths, artisans, professionals, market men and women, and other residents of the state to participate peacefully in the civic exercise aimed at advocating improved security and better living conditions for all Nigerians.