PlightTalk News
The Oyo State Coalition Against Insecurity (CAI) on Wednesday successfully held a press conference in Ibadan despite what it described as an attempt to frustrate the event through the closure of the venue initially scheduled for the briefing.
The press conference, which was aimed at highlighting worsening insecurity, mass poverty, and preparations for the June 12 nationwide protest, was originally slated to hold at the Oyo State Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
However, members of the Coalition said they arrived at the venue to find the entrance gate locked. According to the group, officials of the state NLC later informed them that they had been directed to vacate the premises, forcing organisers to seek an alternative venue.
Following the development, the Coalition quickly notified journalists and invited organisations of a change in location. The event was subsequently relocated to the office of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), where the press conference proceeded without further disruption.
Addressing journalists, Comrade Abbey Trotsky presented the Coalition’s position on the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria and the growing economic hardship confronting millions of citizens.
He stated that the June 12 mobilisation would focus on demanding the safe release of teachers, students, and other Nigerians currently being held in captivity by kidnappers and criminal groups. The Coalition also intends to use the protest to draw attention to rising hunger, poverty, unemployment, and worsening living conditions.
The organisers accused authorities of failing to adequately address insecurity across the country, noting that many communities continue to experience kidnappings, violent attacks, and economic distress.
The press conference attracted significant media attention, with more than ten print, broadcast, and online media organisations reportedly covering the event.
Following the briefing, members of the Coalition held a strategy session to review mobilisation plans and finalise preparations for the June 12 action.
Despite the challenges encountered before the event, organisers described the press conference as successful and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful mobilisation against insecurity, poverty, and anti-people policies.
