Human rights activists Femi Falana took to the streets on Monday to protest against insecurity and poverty in Nigeria. His son, Folarin aka Falz and other Lagosians also joined the demonstration.
The protesters marched from Ikeja to the Governor’s Office through the Secretariat to the Lagos State House of Assembly chanting protest songs, under the aegis of the Peoples Alternative Political Movement, Punch reported.
The political movement which was formed in April, 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 protesters were seen carrying placards, which read ‘No to Exploitation and Multiple Taxation’, ‘Provide Jobs or Unemployment Benefits for Youths’, ‘Provide Security in Schools’, ‘End Kidnapping and Banditry’ ‘Stop Killings, Secure Nigeria’, and ‘Full Implementation of New Minimum Wage Now’.
The protesters, which included trade unions, civil society, students, farmers and peasants, were reportedly led by Jaye Gaskiya, a foremost activist.
According to Mr Gaskiya, the protest was organised to express displeasure over how badly the country had degenerated.
He expressed worry that Nigeria, characterised 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 wits end.
