Amidst growing discontent over the recent surge in the pump price of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has called for a nationwide protest to express their displeasure and demand a reversal of the price increase.
The agitation comes in the wake of an abrupt hike in fuel prices from N537 to N620 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and other regions of the country. COSEYL, in a statement released on Wednesday, expressed its condemnation of the move, labeling it as an act of wickedness by the authorities and citing the additional hardships it imposes on Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The President General of COSEYL, Goodluck Ibem, voiced his concerns, stating, "When Nigerians are still grappling with the hardships of settling for the previous price of N520, President Tinubu, within just two months in office, increased the fuel price to N617 in some states. This situation is no longer acceptable."
Calling on all Nigerians, especially the youth, to join the movement, Ibem emphasized that the time to liberate Nigeria from oppressive policies is now. The coalition aims to stage widespread protests across the nation, covering all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, until the fuel price is reverted to its previous rate of N198 per litre.
The proposed protests reflect the mounting frustration of citizens grappling with the soaring cost of living. Many view the fuel price hike as a heavy burden on already strained households and businesses. The removal of fuel subsidies has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it places an unfair burden on ordinary citizens, exacerbating the nation's economic challenges.
It is important to note that the demonstrations will need to be conducted peacefully and within the boundaries of the law, to ensure the safety of protesters and maintain public order. Authorities will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure the protests do not escalate into violence or disrupt essential services.
As the date for the planned protests draws near, tensions are expected to rise, and the government will likely face growing pressure to address the concerns of its citizens. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the demands of COSEYL and the people of Nigeria in light of the prevailing economic conditions and public sentiment.
