Just In: Osun CSOs Urge Tinubu To Secure-Connections With World Bank, IMF, And Others On June-12

Just In: Osun CSOs Urge Tinubu To Secure-Connections With World Bank, IMF, And Others On June-12

As Nigerians commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, civil society organizations (CSOs) have urged President Bola Tinubu to distance his administration from the patronage of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other influential international institutions.

In a statement signed by Waheed Lawal, Chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, and shared with DAILY POST on Wednesday, the CSOs emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace an egalitarian society where equity, fairness, and prosperity are assured.

Lawal expressed concerns over the economic impact of recent policies under Tinubu’s administration, particularly citing the removal of fuel subsidy which he argued has exacerbated economic hardship and poverty. He also criticized the removal of electricity subsidy and the devaluation of the Naira, attributing these measures to economic instability and their adverse effects on productivity and small to medium-scale enterprises.

“The removal of subsidy, increment in electricity tariff and devaluation of Naira have cast a shadow over the economic stability of Nigeria; and this is hampering productivity and killing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, taking away the purchasing power of the Nigerian people, creating hunger, starvation and skyrocketing foodstuffs and essential commodities prices, among other woes,” Lawal stated.

He lamented the widespread economic challenges faced by Nigerians, including rising food prices and diminished access to essential commodities. Lawal underscored the discrepancy between the current economic hardships and the promises made in the manifestoes of leaders like MKO Abiola, emphasizing that basic amenities and mass prosperity remain elusive.

Lawal attributed these ongoing struggles to decades of poor governance and called for systemic reforms to address exploitation, oppression, poverty, and injustice across Nigeria.

“We are using this June 12 occasion to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to descend from the ladder of the World Bank, IMF and other international institutions influencing his government. Mr President, please save the country and Nigerians from the unleashed hunger and poverty,” Lawal urged.

The CSOs stressed the imperative for political leadership to prioritize the welfare of citizens and enact policies that foster economic stability and social progress, independent of external influences that may not align with Nigeria’s best interests.