EDOCSO Protests Against Hardship

Edo State Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO) in Benin City, Monday July 24, staged a protest against the excruciating hardship brought upon Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Bola Tinubu government.
The group took its protest through the major streets in Benin metropolis, vis-a-vis, Mission Road, Akpakpava Road, Ring Road and others.
The protesters brandished placards with inscriptions stating their anger.
“In Less Than Two Months, Tinubu Government Is Chocking Nigerians To Death”, “Tinubu, Let Us Breath”, “Kill Corruption Not Nigerians”, “Cost Of Living In Nigeria Is Chocking Us”, “FG Allow The Poor To Breath And Keep Your Palliatives”, “Fix Our Refineries,” some of the placards read.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the interim president of EDOCSO, Comrade Austin Enabulele, said while the group appreciated the removal of the petroleum subsidy by the federal government, the government should have put modality in place to cushion the pains that the removal will have on the poor masses
He said,” We appreciate that President Tinubu has removed subsidy because they are using it to steal from us but then, before Tinubu does that, he must put palliatives in place. He must ensure that the refineries are working; even if it is two, they should be working so that Nigerians can buy fuel at an affordable price”, Enabulele said.
He queried the rationale behind the N8,000 proposed palliative for 12 million Nigerians which will eventually amount to N996 billion while N70 billion will be spent on just 469 National Assembly members.
“And we have come to tell him that we don’t need the N8000 palliatives. He should keep it to himself. It is another way of stealing Nigerians’ money.
“How do you get the statistics of 12 million Nigerians that you want to pay N996billion to as palliatives? Meanwhile, you want to spend N70 billion for the National Assembly who are just 469 members.
“Is that not stealing? Is that not calling Nigerians fools? We want to let President Bola Tinubu know that we are not fools and that enough is enough!” Enabulele fumed.