The United Action for Democracy, the leading coalition of radical Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria will be organising a series of popular education activities across the country for activist workers and youths on January 9, 2013 i.e. the 2nd anniversary of the commencement of the General Strike which deepened the spontaneous revolts that had commenced on January 2 against the draconian increment of fuel prices in different parts of the country into one pan-national massive wave of struggle by the working people and youth, that included and went beyond the demand for a reversal of the price hike.
The United Action for Democracy, the leading coalition of radical Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria will be organising a series of popular education activities across the country for activist workers and youths on January 9, 2013 i.e. the 2nd anniversary of the commencement of the General Strike which deepened the spontaneous revolts that had commenced on January 2 against the draconian increment of fuel prices in different parts of the country into one pan-national massive wave of struggle by the working people and youth, that included and went beyond the demand for a reversal of the price hike.
The January Uprising reflected and marked a turning point of renewed struggle for the working masses in Nigeria, within a world in turmoil. But while in its wake, spates of strikes and occupations of demolished “illegal” settlements have been rife, the ruling class’ ruinous politics and thievery have not in any way abated. If anything, the bosses appear to have forgotten nothing and learnt nothing.
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Two years after, Nigeria stands at the precipice of what might be its most decisive hour in its so-called “100 years of existence as a nation”. 2014 is obviously pregnant with an avalanche of crisis, for even the least discerning of citizens.
Unprincipled elite politics that holds sway as different sections of the bosses position themselves for the forthcoming general elections; the restiveness of a working class demanding a better life, as our living conditions go from bad to worse; contrived “constitutional crisis” in several states such as Taraba and Rivers; a re-awakening youth movement and increasing challenge to a corrupt NANS leadership, from below; an irresolvable national question and a questionable National Conference in the pipeline, are some of the major ingredients for a conjuncture that could dwarf the massquakes of 2012.
This is the time for us to reflect and rethink as a basis for the actions we will have to take in the unfolding period. That is why the United Action for Democracy (UAD) is organising a media briefing at Abuja, and a series of colloquiums for activist workers and youths in; the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, Enugu, Lagos and Port Harcourt, simultaneously on January 9, as the first step in its campaign of popular education for the struggle from below to enthrone working people’s democracy.
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It will also be a moment for us to solemnly honour the sixteen fallen compatriots killed by the Nigerian state in Ilorin, Lagos, Kano and Maiduguri, for daring to be at the trenches to fight for a better society. In remembering them, we will rededicate ourselves to the struggles which they stood for, and died fighting for.
The UAD State Chapters in each of these states are already mobilizing for these activities, and we enjoin other civic organizations of the working people including those not affiliated to the UAD to join us in this process to reclaim our humanity by winning our self-emancipation.
A People United and Determined Cannot be Defeated!
Long live Revolution from Below!!
Forward to Victory!!!
Sgd. Sgd.
Baba Aye Zulu Ofolue
National Convener General Secretary
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