ANAYO EZUGWU 
The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) yesterday asked the Federal Government to address multi-dimensional poverty, monumental misery, illiteracy, insecurity, inequality and other challenges facing the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence, National President Debo Adeniran said Nigerians are neither happy nor free after 64 years of political independence.
He said: “The masses are poor and hungry. “Since coming to power, the Tinubu administration has imposed unprecedented hardship on millions of Nigerians and pushed them into multi-dimensional poverty and monumental misery. “Many working families are at the point of starvation. Several people have lost their jobs and lives.
The middle class has been destroyed. “The rate of suicide is increasing. Despite this, President Tinubu continues to drive forward these criminal anti-human policies as shown by the about 300 per cent increase in petrol price in September compared to the situation in May 29, 2023.”
According to the group, the Federal Government should release all #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protesters, journalists, whistleblowers and other victims of state repression unconditionally.
He said the government must reduce the cost of governance, place all political office holders on the minimum wage and scrap security vote and constituency allowances.
“Provide free and compulsory primary and secondary education for all Nigerian children. “Reduce tertiary education school fees. Give students grants and not loans. “Immediate prosecution and jailing of all corrupt politicians, judges, police, public servants and state officials.
“Massive investment in public works, social infrastructure and industrialization to create decent jobs for all. “Genuine electoral reform to allow for independent candidature, diaspora voting and a truly independent electoral body.
“We must say no to IMF neoliberal policies. Reverse hike in fuel price and electricity tariff back to pre-May 29, 2023 level. Make government-owned refineries work to guarantee affordable petroleum products.
