CSOs in Edo Withdraw from #EndHunger Protest

Edo CSOs suspend hunger protest.. 

Edo-based civil society groups withdraw from #EndHungerInNigeria protest due to intelligence report, but vow to continue pushing for government action on economic hardship, minimum wage for politicians, and infrastructure improvements.

Edo-Based Civil Society Groups disengage from National economic hardship protest.

At a press conference in Benin City on Saturday, Curtis Ugbebor, a key organizer of the #EndHungerInNigeria protest, announced the withdrawal of civil society groups from the hunger strike, which commenced on Thursday and was initially set to run until August 10, citing reasons for the sudden decision.

“At this juncture, due to an intelligence report, the CSO is withdrawing from the protest to restrategise and that is not to say that Nigerians who wish to express themselves cannot do so,” Ugbebor said on Saturday.

“But I will want to say that we have achieved a lot and stated our demands which we expect the government to look into. This has been achieved without bloodshed and destruction of properties

“We shall continue to ensure that the federal and state government address the demands of Edo State citizens.”

Emmanuel Ogude, another prominent figure in the protest, called on the government to take immediate action to alleviate the economic hardship gripping the nation, stressing that politicians should lead by example by accepting only the minimum wage, as a show of commitment to addressing the country's economic woes.

He said, “Every politician that wants to serve must be placed under the national minimum wage because there is hunger in the land.

“We want the electricity tariff and fuel price to be returned to where the administration met it. All federal roads leading to Edo State should be fixed with immediate effect. We want the government to adhere to our demands.”

Despite the withdrawal announcement, a significant crowd of protesters gathered at the bustling Ring Road, the designated protest site, on Saturday, determined to press on with the demonstration, undeterred in their demands for change.