Why Nigerians Should Protest Now Before Things Get Worse – JAF

The Joint Action Front (JAF) has called on Nigerians to stand up and protest against the soaring cost of living and the policies of President Bola Tinubu, which they describe as anti-people. 

The JAF, led by Chairperson Dr. Dipo Fashina and Secretary Comrade Abiodun Aremu, has highlighted the urgent need for action, stating that the government has been a “monumental failure” in less than 10 months since President Tinubu took office.

According to the JAF, the current administration has implemented policies that have significantly worsened the pre-existing cost of living crisis. The removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, both in line with the recommendations of international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, have led to an unprecedented increase in the prices of goods and services. 

This has placed a heavy burden on the vast majority of the population, who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The economic crisis has also exacerbated the security situation in the country, with the JAF noting a rise in insecurity. In light of these challenges, the JAF has praised the efforts of Nigerians in states like Niger, Kano, and Kogi, where protests against mass hunger and deprivation have taken place. 

They urge the working people, youth, and the poor across the country to join forces and organize mass meetings, rallies, and protests to coordinate the imminent struggles.

The JAF’s call to action is not just about rejecting the current policies but also about demanding their immediate reversal. They emphasize the importance of building a mass movement to oppose the neoliberal agenda of the Tinubu government and to fight for a just and equitable society. 

The JAF rejects the idea of palliatives, which they see as a temporary and deceptive solution, and instead calls for a systemic change to end the cycle of looting and exploitation under capitalism.

The statement also addresses the recent ultimatum issued by organized labor to the government, urging them to take it seriously and consider a general strike and mass protest as the next step. The demands include the reversal of deregulation and devaluation policies, a living national minimum wage, and attention to the hike in fees at public tertiary institutions.

In conclusion, the JAF’s message is clear, Nigerians must protest now before things get worse. The current economic policies are not only unsustainable but also detrimental to the well-being of the majority. It is time for the people to come together and demand a change in the system, one that prioritizes the needs of the working masses and the poor over the interests of the corrupt ruling elite.