Human rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN), rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, alongside other civil society leaders, used the June 12 Democracy Day protest to call for the urgent rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State while drawing attention to rising insecurity, economic difficulties, and governance concerns across the country.
Speaking during the demonstration in Lagos, Falana decried the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by kidnappers, describing their situation as both alarming and unacceptable.
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According to him, the protest was not only about commemorating Democracy Day but also about demanding justice for innocent Nigerians, particularly the pupils and teachers who have remained in the hands of their captors for weeks in Oyo and Borno states.
He noted that the victims are reportedly enduring harsh conditions, including inadequate food, poor healthcare access, and a lack of other essential necessities.
Falana further disclosed that one of the abducted teachers had lost his life while in captivity, alleging that the killing was intended to pressure authorities into hastening efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The senior lawyer stated that the demonstration also sought to highlight broader national issues such as poverty, hunger, injustice, and the alleged harassment of young Nigerians by security operatives.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Falana maintained that the ideals of democracy have yet to be fully realised, insisting that the struggle for justice, accountability, and citizens’ rights remains ongoing.
Also addressing protesters, Falz criticised the Federal Government over what he described as a deteriorating security situation and worsening economic conditions, accusing political leaders of failing to provide adequate protection and relief for citizens.
The protest was part of a coordinated nationwide mobilisation led by a coalition of civil society organisations, labour groups, youth movements, community-based associations, social justice advocates, and faith-based bodies. The coalition declared June 12 a day of mass action against insecurity, economic hardship, and the declining standard of living in the country.
The joint declaration was endorsed by several prominent activists, including Falana, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement coordinator Hassan Soweto, and Falz, among others.
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