The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) has urged the federal government to re-assess the removal of fuel subsidy and declare a state of emergency on insecurity as essential steps to address the severe economic challenges in the country.
Emphasizing the urgency of these measures in alleviating the crippling economic hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly women, president of the association Mrs. Caroline Ibharuneafe, highlighted the daily struggles of Nigerians, especially women, in coping with the skyrocketing cost of living and stressed the need for government to undertake a comprehensive review of its economic policies, confront insecurity head-on and prevent the country from sliding into recession.
Pointing to the alarming increase in kidnappings and incidents of rape against women and children, Mrs. Ibharuneafe underscored how the pervasive insecurity has further exacerbated the already dire cost-of-living challenges across the nation.
Ibharuneafe who reiterated AWLA’s full support for the establishment of state police as a crucial step in addressing the nation’s security challenges, however emphasized the importance of women inclusion in government committees tasked with finding lasting solutions to the country’s problem maintained that any effective measure aimed at enhancing safety and food security should be embraced.
She expressed AWLA’s willingness to collaborate with both government and non-governmental organizations in addressing the nation’s challenges, particularly by providing pro-bono legal services to disadvantaged women and girls.
“The removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira has further compounded the situation and thrown a lot of people into extreme hunger. As an association that represents the interest of indigent women in the country, we cannot watch as our women face severe hunger and hardship and do nothing.”
“We therefore call on the federal government to rise up to its responsibility by urgently taking the issue of insecurity seriously. If a policy is not working, it should be reviewed. The federal government should urgently reconsider the removal of fuel subsidy. We also call on the government to do something urgent about the incessant electricity tariff increase by the power holding companies in the country.”
“Nigerians are dying in their hundreds and if nothing is done on all these issues enumerated, AWLA will have no choice but to take legal means to fight for our rights as enunciated in the Nigerians Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Child Rights.”
The current situation in Nigeria is alarming and of great concern. Especially due to the persistent rise in the prices of goods and services as well as the devaluation of the naira. There is need for a quick intervention to salvage the economy !
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