A body of women rights activists, Womanifesto, has called on the Federal Government to address the nation on its plans to ease the economic hardship being experienced by citizens.
This is contained in a statement issued by its convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The body has over 300 activists, advocates and organisations.
According to Akiyode-Afolabi, the Federal Government should itemise the tangible and measurable short-, mid- and long-term plans it intends to employ to ameliorate the general economic hardship in the country.
“We will expect this plan to include clearly spelt out timelines which we will monitor, evaluate outcomes and suggest further steps to be taken by both the government and the citizens,’’ she said.
She also announced that the group would join the proposed protest to demand for accountability and good governance devoid of harassment and intimidation.
“As working professionals, thought leaders, human rights advocates and mothers, we identify with the suffering of Nigerians fuelled by high inflation, low purchasing power, high cost of electricity and fuel.
“Nigerians are tired, hungry and disgruntled. Womanifesto will therefore open a Situation Room to record and report the protests across all states.
“Our team of lawyers will also be on standby to take cases of intimidation of citizens,” Akiyode-Afolabi said.
She, however, called on Nigerians to be peaceful during the demonstrations and shun destruction of lives and property.
She also called on government at all levels to recognise the pain of the citizens and rise up to the occasion as duty calls.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some organisers are gearing up for a nationwide peaceful protest slated for Aug. 1 to Aug. 10. (NAN)
