June 12: Falana, CSOs declare nationwide protest over insecurity, hardship

By Ebunoluwa Sessou

A coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements, faith-based organisations and concerned Nigerians have declared June 12, 2026, as a day of nationwide protest and mass action against worsening insecurity, economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions across the country.

The coalition said the planned protest, which coincides with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration, was aimed at drawing attention to the growing challenges confronting citizens, including insecurity, inflation, poverty and the rising cost of living.

In a statement jointly signed by prominent activists and leaders of various organisations, the coalition lamented that millions of Nigerians had little reason to celebrate Democracy Day as communities across the country continued to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The statement was signed by National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, ASCAB, Femi Falana; organising committee member of the #EndBadGovernance Movement, Hassan Taiwo Soweto; National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin; Organising Secretary of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo; and Secretary of Initiative and Mediation, Zauren Tuntuba da Sasanci and Ali Attahiru.

Others include musician and activist, Falz; Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Mike Igaga; President of PERESSA, Rufus Olusesan; Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front; General Secretary of Socialist Labour, Abiodun Olamosu; Jonathan Ugbal of the Calabar Group of Socialists; and Richard Inoyo of Citizens Solution Network.

Also signatories to the statement were Salako Kayode of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement; Omole Ibukun of the Centre for Creative Change; Adaramoye Michael of the Youth Rights Campaign; and Adewale Ojo, Chairman of CDHR Lagos.

According to the statement, innocent Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced and traumatised while government responses to the security crisis have remained inadequate.

The coalition expressed solidarity with families affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping and called for immediate measures to secure the release of citizens currently held captive in several states, including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger.

“The Nigerian people deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance,” the coalition stated.

It noted that despite repeated assurances from authorities that insecurity was being addressed, attacks on communities had continued, schools remain under threat, farmers face difficulties accessing their farmlands and major highways still considered unsafe.

The group further expressed concern over the country’s economic situation, describing the prevailing hardship as unbearable for many Nigerians.

According to the coalition, rising fuel prices, currency devaluation, increased electricity tariffs and the high cost of essential services have contributed to worsening poverty levels and declining living standards.
The statement noted that food prices had continued to rise sharply, adding that transportation costs had become increasingly difficult for citizens to bear, while many small and medium-scale enterprises were struggling due to high operating costs, unstable electricity supply and reduced consumer purchasing power.

It also observed that workers’ wages had remained insufficient, amid persistent inflation, which has continued to erode household incomes.

The coalition said the June 12 protest formed part of a series of actions intended to compel the government to take urgent steps to address insecurity and implement policies that would ease the economic burden on citizens.

It called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, community organisations, religious bodies and trade unions to mobilise for the protest in their various communities, workplaces, campuses and neighbourhoods.

Describing the planned demonstration as a struggle for the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians, the coalition urged civil society organisations and progressive groups to unite in demanding the release of all captives and improved living conditions for citizens.

“The time has come for Nigerians to speak with one voice and demand security, dignity and a decent standard of living. Enough of the killings. Enough of the kidnappings. Enough of the hunger. Enough of the suffering,” the statement added.

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