President Goodluck Jonathan has deployed hundreds of gun-wielding soldiers on the streets of Lagos in a desperate bid to forestall peaceful protests scheduled to continue today.
Through reports filed by citizen reporters affiliated with Saharareporters it was gathered that the armed soldiers have taken positions in such spots as Ikeja, Ikoyi, Surulere and Ojota as well as other spots where thousand of Nigerians have poured out in protest the government sharp increase in price of petrol. About 16 check points and barricades have been been mounted around the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota according to reports.
The deployment of soldiers comes on the heels of Mr. Jonathan's planned broadcast Monday morning in which he will announce the reduction of fuel prices to N97 a liter.
In the address, the text of which has already been published in full by Saharareporters, President Jonathan takes an unusually harsh tone towards the protesters.
In an interview moments ago, one of the leaders of the protest movement said that the protests have been held in peaceful atmosphere, but added that President Jonathan appears ready to use force against peace-loving Nigerians. They vowed to make an appearance at the venue today regardless of the presence of the soldiers. Seun Kuti, the son of Afrobeat maestro Fela Anikulapo-Kuti sent an sms to Saharareporters that he will be at the rally today.
A protest leader told SaharaReporters, "We want to make clear that President Jonathan would be held responsible for any casualty that results from his decision to unleash soldiers on unarmed and peaceful protesters who are merely demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders". He further noted that officers of the Nigerian police have so far killed about 20 protesters in different parts of the country, he vowed that Nigerians would never let the victims of police brutality die in vain"
Another protest leader expressed dismay and disappointment with the decision of trade union leaders to unilaterally call off street protests on account some purported security concerns.
He added that some of the in the movement had received speculations all week that the government was offering a variety of financial and other material inducement to labour leaders in order to compromise them.
He stated that, "it would be extremely hard for any compromised labour leader to hoodwink Nigerians who are now determined to seize the opportunity to question the greed as well as ineptitude other so-called leaders"
Sunday, 15 January 2012
No plan to arrest protest leaders – FG
THE presidency on Sunday denied giving orders for the arrest of the key leaders of the mass protests against the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
There was widespread speculation at the weekend that President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered the arrest of the convener of the Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare; Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana; the former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dino Melaye; and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, for their roles in the mass protests that paralysed activities in most part of the country throughout last week.
The speculation was further fuelled by a report on an online publication on Sunday that Jonathan had ordered the arrest of the activists.
But Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, told one of our correspondents that the said report was “a lie and only existed in the imagination of the authors.”
The State Security Service and the Police also denied knowledge of any order from the Presidency asking them to arrest the activists.
The Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations, SSS, Marilyn Ogar, said the Service was not aware of such order from the presidency.
“The DSS has no such directive because Nigerians have been protesting and there is no record that we arrested or planned to arrest anyone,” she said.
The Force Headquarters also dismissed the report, saying it did not receive any instruction to arrest the activists.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sola Amore, said he had no knowledge of such a thing.
Both the spokesman for the SNG, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, and the Administrator of the Latter Rain Assembly, Biola Adeyoola, said late on Sunday that Bakare had not been arrested.
Odumakin told one of our correspondents that “nothing like that has happened. He (Bakare) is alright.”
“He was in church today. We have been hearing the rumour since around 8.00am but I can tell you that he is not under arrest,” Adeyoola said on the telephone.
She explained that no letter had been received from any security agency, inviting the cleric to be their guest.
Falana, who was also rumoured to have been arrested, responded to our correspondent’s telephone call on Sunday, indicating that he had not been picked up by security operatives.
The Campaign for Democracy president, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said on Sunday that the President would become a dictator if he ordered the arrest of protesters.
Okei-Odumakin, in an interview with one of our correspondents on Sunday, said the protests had been peaceful, warning the government not to arrest those organising them.
Condemning the alleged planned arrest, Okei-Odumakin said that it was “a sign of desperation by a regime whose back has been pushed to the wall by the will of the people.
“Even during military dictatorship people had the right to protest, to air their views, not to talk of a civilian government. They should go ahead and arrest.”
The CD president said that almost 20 people had been killed by security agents since the fuel subsidy protests started, stressing that Nigerians would not allow the 20 dead victims to die in vain.
“Whatever we are doing, we are not violent. We conduct our protests in an orderly manner. The whole world is watching. If such a move (arrest) is made it shows Jonathan is returning Nigeria to a pariah state.”
“Jonathan must call his men to order. As a responsible and responsive leader, he must listen to the voice of the people. We are returning to Ojota tomorrow (today).” she said.
Odumakin also vowed that the killers of the 20 protesters would be brought before the International Criminal Court.
There was widespread speculation at the weekend that President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered the arrest of the convener of the Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare; Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana; the former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dino Melaye; and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, for their roles in the mass protests that paralysed activities in most part of the country throughout last week.
The speculation was further fuelled by a report on an online publication on Sunday that Jonathan had ordered the arrest of the activists.
But Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, told one of our correspondents that the said report was “a lie and only existed in the imagination of the authors.”
The State Security Service and the Police also denied knowledge of any order from the Presidency asking them to arrest the activists.
The Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations, SSS, Marilyn Ogar, said the Service was not aware of such order from the presidency.
“The DSS has no such directive because Nigerians have been protesting and there is no record that we arrested or planned to arrest anyone,” she said.
The Force Headquarters also dismissed the report, saying it did not receive any instruction to arrest the activists.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sola Amore, said he had no knowledge of such a thing.
Both the spokesman for the SNG, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, and the Administrator of the Latter Rain Assembly, Biola Adeyoola, said late on Sunday that Bakare had not been arrested.
Odumakin told one of our correspondents that “nothing like that has happened. He (Bakare) is alright.”
“He was in church today. We have been hearing the rumour since around 8.00am but I can tell you that he is not under arrest,” Adeyoola said on the telephone.
She explained that no letter had been received from any security agency, inviting the cleric to be their guest.
Falana, who was also rumoured to have been arrested, responded to our correspondent’s telephone call on Sunday, indicating that he had not been picked up by security operatives.
The Campaign for Democracy president, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said on Sunday that the President would become a dictator if he ordered the arrest of protesters.
Okei-Odumakin, in an interview with one of our correspondents on Sunday, said the protests had been peaceful, warning the government not to arrest those organising them.
Condemning the alleged planned arrest, Okei-Odumakin said that it was “a sign of desperation by a regime whose back has been pushed to the wall by the will of the people.
“Even during military dictatorship people had the right to protest, to air their views, not to talk of a civilian government. They should go ahead and arrest.”
The CD president said that almost 20 people had been killed by security agents since the fuel subsidy protests started, stressing that Nigerians would not allow the 20 dead victims to die in vain.
“Whatever we are doing, we are not violent. We conduct our protests in an orderly manner. The whole world is watching. If such a move (arrest) is made it shows Jonathan is returning Nigeria to a pariah state.”
“Jonathan must call his men to order. As a responsible and responsive leader, he must listen to the voice of the people. We are returning to Ojota tomorrow (today).” she said.
Odumakin also vowed that the killers of the 20 protesters would be brought before the International Criminal Court.
Ademola’s killing: Residents deny police harassmen
Residents of Aderinton and Yaya Abatan in Ogba, Lagos, where 26-year-old Abiodun Ademola was allegedly shot by the Divisional Police Officer of Pen Cinema Police Station, Segun Fabunmi, have debunked rumours that they are being harassed by policemen in the order not to give evidence in the ongoing investigation into the murder.
Ademola was hit in the crotch by a bullet after Fabunmi attempted to disperse a group of unarmed youths during protests against the removal of fuel subsidy last week Monday.
Eyewitnesses and youths in the area had told Metro that they were playing football on the road, while some of them were reading newspapers at a nearby newsstand when the DPO approached them and ordered them to disperse. They said the DPO then shot at the crowd killing Ademola
Rumours had circulated on social networks on Friday that policemen were going about the area intimidating residents and telling them not to testify.
But some residents, who spoke with our correspondent on Aderinton Street, Yaya Abatan and Abeokuta Street, where Ademola died, said the policemen only came to conduct investigation.
A resident of Abeokuta Street, Dele Mojeed, said, “It is true that the policemen came to this area. But to be fair to them, they did not harass anybody.
“I believe it is part of their investigation. They spoke to the person who picked the empty shell from the gun. They also visited the spot where Ademola died.”
At number 6 Aderinton Street residence of the deceased, a neighbour, Bimbo Ijasan, told our correspondent he had not heard of any police harassment in the area.
“If something like that had happened here you can be sure that the residents of this area would have done something about it. I’ve not heard of such an issue,” he said.
A man, who was questioned by the policemen, said passers-by might have circulated the rumour when they saw policemen in the area.
The man, who did not disclose his name, said, “The policemen asked me some questions when they came. They dare not harass anybody around here.
“The youth here are still very angry because of the incident. Coming here to intimidate people would be like lighting a match beside gun-powder.
“You know how policemen are. They can attempt it quite alright. But if they do such a thing here right now, they will only be asking for trouble.”
On Wednesday, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, had given assurance that the government would ensure that all necessary processes were followed in the investigation of the killing of Ademola.
Some political leaders from the area had also affirmed they would follow up on the case until justice is done.
This came on the heels of the pronouncement by the Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole, that the NBA would not rest on its oars until Fabunmi is brought to justice.
The police officer is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Ademola was hit in the crotch by a bullet after Fabunmi attempted to disperse a group of unarmed youths during protests against the removal of fuel subsidy last week Monday.
Eyewitnesses and youths in the area had told Metro that they were playing football on the road, while some of them were reading newspapers at a nearby newsstand when the DPO approached them and ordered them to disperse. They said the DPO then shot at the crowd killing Ademola
Rumours had circulated on social networks on Friday that policemen were going about the area intimidating residents and telling them not to testify.
But some residents, who spoke with our correspondent on Aderinton Street, Yaya Abatan and Abeokuta Street, where Ademola died, said the policemen only came to conduct investigation.
A resident of Abeokuta Street, Dele Mojeed, said, “It is true that the policemen came to this area. But to be fair to them, they did not harass anybody.
“I believe it is part of their investigation. They spoke to the person who picked the empty shell from the gun. They also visited the spot where Ademola died.”
At number 6 Aderinton Street residence of the deceased, a neighbour, Bimbo Ijasan, told our correspondent he had not heard of any police harassment in the area.
“If something like that had happened here you can be sure that the residents of this area would have done something about it. I’ve not heard of such an issue,” he said.
A man, who was questioned by the policemen, said passers-by might have circulated the rumour when they saw policemen in the area.
The man, who did not disclose his name, said, “The policemen asked me some questions when they came. They dare not harass anybody around here.
“The youth here are still very angry because of the incident. Coming here to intimidate people would be like lighting a match beside gun-powder.
“You know how policemen are. They can attempt it quite alright. But if they do such a thing here right now, they will only be asking for trouble.”
On Wednesday, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, had given assurance that the government would ensure that all necessary processes were followed in the investigation of the killing of Ademola.
Some political leaders from the area had also affirmed they would follow up on the case until justice is done.
This came on the heels of the pronouncement by the Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole, that the NBA would not rest on its oars until Fabunmi is brought to justice.
The police officer is currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Strike, protests not for regime change – Labour
The organised labour has said that the ongoing strike and protests against the fuel subsidy removal are not intended to chase President Goodluck Jonathan away from power.
The Acting General-Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, and the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. John Kolawole, in a statement on Sunday, stressed that the objective of the strike and protests was a reversal of the pump price of petrol.
They emphasised that labour had an implicit belief in democracy and urged those desiring a change in the political leadership of the country to do so through a democratic process.
The statement reads, “The labour movement once again reiterates that the strike, rallies and streets protests must be peaceful and that the objective is the reversal of petrol (PMS) price to its pre-January 1, 2012 level.
“We are therefore not campaigning for ‘Regime Change’. The labour movement is wedded to democracy, therefore, anybody or group that wants a change in the political leadership of the country at whatever level, should do so through the ballot box.
“The labour movement and its civil society allies are also saddened by the unprecedented loss of lives and injuries sustained during the indefinite strike, rallies and street protests that commenced from Monday, January 9, 2012.
“We reiterate that those who visit violence on protesters and their masters who gave such evil orders will individually be brought to justice.
“We in the labour movement have done our duty to our country; we have made tremendous sacrifices including loss of lives; we have carried out the mandate of the Nigerian people; we can do no more.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, the indefinite strike, rallies and protests continue nationwide from Monday 16th January, 2012.”
The workers’ unions explained that talks between labour and the Federal Government ended in a stalemate because both parties failed to agree on “the methodology” to be used in finding a solution.
“Labour’s analysis of the situation is that tension is very high in the land following the fuel price increase, the resultant strike, rallies, street protests and the human casualties that have followed. And that a suspension of the new petrol price will reduce tension and return the country to normalcy.
“We decided to make a plea to President Goodluck Jonathan in the overriding interest of the country to suspend the PMS (petrol) price increase and direct that talks between government and labour be concluded on the petroleum industry, especially at it affects fuel subsidy and pricing within a short time frame.
“We made a pledge that once the price increase suspension is announced, Labour and its allies will immediately suspend the strike, rallies and street protests,” the statement said.
The two unions added that labour had pledged to call off the strike and other actions as soon as the price was reversed but that the offer was rejected.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has vowed to deal with those taking advantage of the protests against the fuel subsidy removal to foment trouble.
The Minister of Defence, Bello Mohammed, said this while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, shortly after a ceremony to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Mohammed alleged that there were people who had plans to cause mayhem under the guise of protesting the fuel subsidy removal.
He said, “The strike action is being negotiated with labour. Only labour is leading a strike because of its grouse with the government.
“Those hoodlums who are trying to hijack the strike and turn it into a riot will be properly dealt with because that is not the intention of labour.”
Mohammed’s statement came on the heels of a directive from labour to all protesters to resume the street demonstrations, rallies and indefinite strike on Monday.
The Acting General-Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, and the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. John Kolawole, in a statement on Sunday, stressed that the objective of the strike and protests was a reversal of the pump price of petrol.
They emphasised that labour had an implicit belief in democracy and urged those desiring a change in the political leadership of the country to do so through a democratic process.
The statement reads, “The labour movement once again reiterates that the strike, rallies and streets protests must be peaceful and that the objective is the reversal of petrol (PMS) price to its pre-January 1, 2012 level.
“We are therefore not campaigning for ‘Regime Change’. The labour movement is wedded to democracy, therefore, anybody or group that wants a change in the political leadership of the country at whatever level, should do so through the ballot box.
“The labour movement and its civil society allies are also saddened by the unprecedented loss of lives and injuries sustained during the indefinite strike, rallies and street protests that commenced from Monday, January 9, 2012.
“We reiterate that those who visit violence on protesters and their masters who gave such evil orders will individually be brought to justice.
“We in the labour movement have done our duty to our country; we have made tremendous sacrifices including loss of lives; we have carried out the mandate of the Nigerian people; we can do no more.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, the indefinite strike, rallies and protests continue nationwide from Monday 16th January, 2012.”
The workers’ unions explained that talks between labour and the Federal Government ended in a stalemate because both parties failed to agree on “the methodology” to be used in finding a solution.
“Labour’s analysis of the situation is that tension is very high in the land following the fuel price increase, the resultant strike, rallies, street protests and the human casualties that have followed. And that a suspension of the new petrol price will reduce tension and return the country to normalcy.
“We decided to make a plea to President Goodluck Jonathan in the overriding interest of the country to suspend the PMS (petrol) price increase and direct that talks between government and labour be concluded on the petroleum industry, especially at it affects fuel subsidy and pricing within a short time frame.
“We made a pledge that once the price increase suspension is announced, Labour and its allies will immediately suspend the strike, rallies and street protests,” the statement said.
The two unions added that labour had pledged to call off the strike and other actions as soon as the price was reversed but that the offer was rejected.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has vowed to deal with those taking advantage of the protests against the fuel subsidy removal to foment trouble.
The Minister of Defence, Bello Mohammed, said this while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, shortly after a ceremony to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Mohammed alleged that there were people who had plans to cause mayhem under the guise of protesting the fuel subsidy removal.
He said, “The strike action is being negotiated with labour. Only labour is leading a strike because of its grouse with the government.
“Those hoodlums who are trying to hijack the strike and turn it into a riot will be properly dealt with because that is not the intention of labour.”
Mohammed’s statement came on the heels of a directive from labour to all protesters to resume the street demonstrations, rallies and indefinite strike on Monday.
Friday, 13 January 2012
Tompolo urges labour, civil society to call off strike
WARRI- EX-MILITANT leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, Friday, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the civil societyto call off their nationwide strike over the removal of fuel subsidy by theFederal Government, saying, it was not in the best interest of the nation.
In a press statement issued in Warri, he said, “Fuel subsidy is a government policy that was put in place to reduce the pump price of imported petrol from the landing cost (which is very high) to an affordable price by the citizens.
“Secondly, the actions of government will kick-start the long awaited deregulation of the petroleum industry for a very competitive market for better services.
For instance, if our refineries are working in full capacity and new ones are built under this new policy, then pump price of petrol (PMS) will be lower than N65 per litre”, he asserted
In a press statement issued in Warri, he said, “Fuel subsidy is a government policy that was put in place to reduce the pump price of imported petrol from the landing cost (which is very high) to an affordable price by the citizens.
“Secondly, the actions of government will kick-start the long awaited deregulation of the petroleum industry for a very competitive market for better services.
For instance, if our refineries are working in full capacity and new ones are built under this new policy, then pump price of petrol (PMS) will be lower than N65 per litre”, he asserted
Arewa Consultative Forum Affirms One Nigeria, Rejects Boko Haram
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Wednesday called on Nigerians to disregard the ultimatum and counter ultimatum by “divisive elements of the society” given to some Nigerians to leave for their states or regions.
Following an emergency meeting the ACF restated its commitment to a united Nigeria which is ”socially diverse,” and condemned any violence, be it ethno-religious or otherwise.
Those who give any such ultimatum, it said in a statement, are on their own.
“Specifically, the Boko Haram sect does not represent Muslims in the North, let alone the people of the North nor does it speak for Muslims in Nigeria, just as those extremists elements in Niger Delta do not speak for the good people of the Niger Delta region,” the statement said, adding that they speak only for themselves.
The ACF, in what seemed to be a jibe at President Goodluck Jonathan, drew the attention of Nigerian leaders-be they political or religious-to beware of making unguarded statements claiming knowledge of supporters of evil doers without naming them. “Such statements should have no place in delicate situations such as we have in our country today,” it noted.
Said Mr. Jonathan said recently, “Boko Haram is everywhere, in the executive arm of government, in the legislative arm of government and even in the judiciary. Some are also in the armed forces, the police and other security agencies. Some continue to dip their hands and eat with you and you won't even know the person who will point a gun at you or plant a bomb behind your house."
The Forum commended Nigerians of both faiths who are already working together to narrow the differences among themselves and are creating interreligious harmony, such as noticed in Niger, Kano and Kaduna states and the FCT, where Muslims and Christians took turns to protect one another while observing their religious rites.
Following an emergency meeting the ACF restated its commitment to a united Nigeria which is ”socially diverse,” and condemned any violence, be it ethno-religious or otherwise.
Those who give any such ultimatum, it said in a statement, are on their own.
“Specifically, the Boko Haram sect does not represent Muslims in the North, let alone the people of the North nor does it speak for Muslims in Nigeria, just as those extremists elements in Niger Delta do not speak for the good people of the Niger Delta region,” the statement said, adding that they speak only for themselves.
The ACF, in what seemed to be a jibe at President Goodluck Jonathan, drew the attention of Nigerian leaders-be they political or religious-to beware of making unguarded statements claiming knowledge of supporters of evil doers without naming them. “Such statements should have no place in delicate situations such as we have in our country today,” it noted.
Said Mr. Jonathan said recently, “Boko Haram is everywhere, in the executive arm of government, in the legislative arm of government and even in the judiciary. Some are also in the armed forces, the police and other security agencies. Some continue to dip their hands and eat with you and you won't even know the person who will point a gun at you or plant a bomb behind your house."
The Forum commended Nigerians of both faiths who are already working together to narrow the differences among themselves and are creating interreligious harmony, such as noticed in Niger, Kano and Kaduna states and the FCT, where Muslims and Christians took turns to protect one another while observing their religious rites.
NLC stand still against fuel subsidy removal
Lamidi, a-9 year old boy was part of the millions of Nigerians who came out to register their pain and agony at the on-going nationwide strike taking place throughout the country.
In a protest which took place at Jakande area of Lagos State, Lamidi said the purpose of joining in the protest organised by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other civil organisations was to express his displeasure on how he had been badly treated by Nigerian governments.
According to him, it is a pity that President Jonathan has forgotten all his promises that he made to Nigerians and especially the Nigerian children.
Physically challenged protesting
Lamenting that the living standard of the Nigerian child is depreciating by the day especially since the introduction of the fuel subsidy removal.
His words: “My father used to give me N150 for both transportation and feeding allowances on a daily basis to school and right now, the same money is not enough for transportation. This is highly ridiculous especially to the Nigerian child, “he said.
“If this problem persists, I am sure every Nigerian child will not be happy with President Jonathan.” Asked if he wanted the strike to continue, he said, “I want this strike to continue until Nigerian government is ready to listen to us”, he added.
Mrs Chukwuemeka who lives in the Lakowe area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos said, “I woke up in the early hours of January 1 and found out that the only money on me was N300. I was still thinking on how to go about my life in the new year when I suddenly heard that the federal government had removed subsidy on fuel. Which means that everything in the country will be increased by 300 percent and we will be forced to live a miserable life.”
Asked why she joined in the protest she said, “I am ready to follow labour on this strike to any length because I don’t think there is anything worth living for.”
Lamenting the ordeal she
encounters on a daily daily basis, she said, “As woman, I’m expected to manage whatever money my husband gives me to put food on the table and at the same time contribute to the up-keep of the family. I have been doing this for the past 10 years as a housewife but right now, I am not sure of what to do,” she said.
“Things are very difficult now for the common man on the streets and Nigerian government is not helping matters. That is why I will support this struggle to the end and until we overcome, we will not relent.
“The only hope we have right now is the struggle and unless we get it right now, this government will continue to milk us to the end of the world,” she added.
At Sangotedo area of Ibeju-Lekki, a physically challenged who led the protest said he was supporting the Labour because he had lost the trust he had in the present administration.
“The administration of President Jonathan doesn’t favour the physically challenged, despite the fact that we are part of the Nigerians that voted him in as the president of Nigeria.
“He told us he has no shoes and that he is going to make sure that every Nigerian enjoys the wind of change and now the only thing he can give to us is destruction.
“The people are calling for reversal of the fuel price to N65 but we are saying that he should resign. Nigerians don’t trust him and his government anymore..
“The truth is that the physically challenged people don’t believe in him again and the high time he believed that, the better for him.”
Another woman in the area
said, “I am on the street looking for what my one year -old baby will eat. I want to buy pap in the neighbourhood and I can’t get pap.
“I can’t imagine this condition. I can’t get ordinary pap for my child. This government is not helping matters with the removal of subsidy. I’m afraid that this government is not thinking about the masses.”
No one could have expected the massive turnout by Nigerians in the on-going nationwide strike organised by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other civil organisations. It has never happened before.”
The intention was to express displeasure over the removal of fuel subsidy and other issues that are allegedly crippling the nation in general.
A protester said, “Everything in the market has increased at least by 400 percent. In my shop, I have exhausted all my goods in stock and I am preparing to go to the market and unfortunately, the cost of transportation is high which is making life miserable and unbearable for us.
As it is, I cannot go to the market because drivers are charging exorbitantly. They are not coming out to bring the goods from the marketplace, due to the sudden removal of subsidy. Our stand is that if government did not reverse the removal of subsidy, Nigerians are going to fight it to the end.”
“Although, it is holding everybody back at home, the strike must continue for Nigerians to register their grievances. There are always ways for the common man on the street to express their grievances and voices and it has to be through this strike, without it the government cannot hear our voice. Nigerian government should know that people are angry and hunger is in the land. Without this strike, there is no way . But the strike should also hit on the government for them to know that things are hard in the country. Nigerian workers must continue with the strike until the government is ready to listen to the groaning of the people.
“My opinion is that the strike action should continue so that things will be put right. Before now, my business was normal but since the commencement of the strike, things have gone wrong . Right now, I don’t have goods in stock but I am happy because this fight is a course that must be fought.”
A yellow bag of corn before
subsidy was N8500 while the white corn was N7500 . Now, the prices have been increased, he said. Nobody is ready to sell and there is no vehicle to transport the goods. Everybody is holding their stock saying that after strike, they will be selling again.
DJ Army First, Public Business centre, has done job for the past 10 years. For him, “the issue of subsidy is affecting this country so much that it is difficult to say what the future holds for the common on the street. Financially, everything is crippled and the government of the country is not ready to listen to us. Nigeria is losing so much on this issue, it is difficult to live on a daily basis.
For me, I can’t power my generating set because of the increase in fuel price. The masses are tired of fainted promises and if government fails to listen to people, it might end like what happened at Libya, Egypt. That is my fear about this subsidy.
I run a business centre where people come to watch ball but since, the commencement of the removal of subsidy, I haven’t been able to open my shop. It has been under lock and keys and things have been so difficult for me. People are not happy and this government didn’t deemed it fit to reverse its policy. I also use internet services but right now, internet service is not going through. The truth is that, this subsidy is affecting Nigerians negatively.
Things that we bought for N10 before is now N30 while things sold at N50 are now N100. Transportation within the locality has also increased. The taxi drivers are charging exorbitantly because of the increment in the price of fuel. And that is why it has affected my business. I think the strike action is the solution because from the action, I think, it will lead to something else if the government fails to reverse it.
They also know that it has affected the masses. They don’t buy fuel, they spend our money, they don’t know the magnitude of the problem that the masses are going through. They asked Lamido Sanusi the last time he bought fuel. He said, he didn’t know. So it means that they use everything free and the masses are suffering.
They are supposed to be working for the masses but they are against the masses now. They are now representing us well. free fuel, food and everything while the common man on the street suffers.
In a protest which took place at Jakande area of Lagos State, Lamidi said the purpose of joining in the protest organised by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other civil organisations was to express his displeasure on how he had been badly treated by Nigerian governments.
According to him, it is a pity that President Jonathan has forgotten all his promises that he made to Nigerians and especially the Nigerian children.
Physically challenged protesting
Lamenting that the living standard of the Nigerian child is depreciating by the day especially since the introduction of the fuel subsidy removal.
His words: “My father used to give me N150 for both transportation and feeding allowances on a daily basis to school and right now, the same money is not enough for transportation. This is highly ridiculous especially to the Nigerian child, “he said.
“If this problem persists, I am sure every Nigerian child will not be happy with President Jonathan.” Asked if he wanted the strike to continue, he said, “I want this strike to continue until Nigerian government is ready to listen to us”, he added.
Mrs Chukwuemeka who lives in the Lakowe area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos said, “I woke up in the early hours of January 1 and found out that the only money on me was N300. I was still thinking on how to go about my life in the new year when I suddenly heard that the federal government had removed subsidy on fuel. Which means that everything in the country will be increased by 300 percent and we will be forced to live a miserable life.”
Asked why she joined in the protest she said, “I am ready to follow labour on this strike to any length because I don’t think there is anything worth living for.”
Lamenting the ordeal she
encounters on a daily daily basis, she said, “As woman, I’m expected to manage whatever money my husband gives me to put food on the table and at the same time contribute to the up-keep of the family. I have been doing this for the past 10 years as a housewife but right now, I am not sure of what to do,” she said.
“Things are very difficult now for the common man on the streets and Nigerian government is not helping matters. That is why I will support this struggle to the end and until we overcome, we will not relent.
“The only hope we have right now is the struggle and unless we get it right now, this government will continue to milk us to the end of the world,” she added.
At Sangotedo area of Ibeju-Lekki, a physically challenged who led the protest said he was supporting the Labour because he had lost the trust he had in the present administration.
“The administration of President Jonathan doesn’t favour the physically challenged, despite the fact that we are part of the Nigerians that voted him in as the president of Nigeria.
“He told us he has no shoes and that he is going to make sure that every Nigerian enjoys the wind of change and now the only thing he can give to us is destruction.
“The people are calling for reversal of the fuel price to N65 but we are saying that he should resign. Nigerians don’t trust him and his government anymore..
“The truth is that the physically challenged people don’t believe in him again and the high time he believed that, the better for him.”
Another woman in the area
said, “I am on the street looking for what my one year -old baby will eat. I want to buy pap in the neighbourhood and I can’t get pap.
“I can’t imagine this condition. I can’t get ordinary pap for my child. This government is not helping matters with the removal of subsidy. I’m afraid that this government is not thinking about the masses.”
No one could have expected the massive turnout by Nigerians in the on-going nationwide strike organised by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other civil organisations. It has never happened before.”
The intention was to express displeasure over the removal of fuel subsidy and other issues that are allegedly crippling the nation in general.
A protester said, “Everything in the market has increased at least by 400 percent. In my shop, I have exhausted all my goods in stock and I am preparing to go to the market and unfortunately, the cost of transportation is high which is making life miserable and unbearable for us.
As it is, I cannot go to the market because drivers are charging exorbitantly. They are not coming out to bring the goods from the marketplace, due to the sudden removal of subsidy. Our stand is that if government did not reverse the removal of subsidy, Nigerians are going to fight it to the end.”
“Although, it is holding everybody back at home, the strike must continue for Nigerians to register their grievances. There are always ways for the common man on the street to express their grievances and voices and it has to be through this strike, without it the government cannot hear our voice. Nigerian government should know that people are angry and hunger is in the land. Without this strike, there is no way . But the strike should also hit on the government for them to know that things are hard in the country. Nigerian workers must continue with the strike until the government is ready to listen to the groaning of the people.
“My opinion is that the strike action should continue so that things will be put right. Before now, my business was normal but since the commencement of the strike, things have gone wrong . Right now, I don’t have goods in stock but I am happy because this fight is a course that must be fought.”
A yellow bag of corn before
subsidy was N8500 while the white corn was N7500 . Now, the prices have been increased, he said. Nobody is ready to sell and there is no vehicle to transport the goods. Everybody is holding their stock saying that after strike, they will be selling again.
DJ Army First, Public Business centre, has done job for the past 10 years. For him, “the issue of subsidy is affecting this country so much that it is difficult to say what the future holds for the common on the street. Financially, everything is crippled and the government of the country is not ready to listen to us. Nigeria is losing so much on this issue, it is difficult to live on a daily basis.
For me, I can’t power my generating set because of the increase in fuel price. The masses are tired of fainted promises and if government fails to listen to people, it might end like what happened at Libya, Egypt. That is my fear about this subsidy.
I run a business centre where people come to watch ball but since, the commencement of the removal of subsidy, I haven’t been able to open my shop. It has been under lock and keys and things have been so difficult for me. People are not happy and this government didn’t deemed it fit to reverse its policy. I also use internet services but right now, internet service is not going through. The truth is that, this subsidy is affecting Nigerians negatively.
Things that we bought for N10 before is now N30 while things sold at N50 are now N100. Transportation within the locality has also increased. The taxi drivers are charging exorbitantly because of the increment in the price of fuel. And that is why it has affected my business. I think the strike action is the solution because from the action, I think, it will lead to something else if the government fails to reverse it.
They also know that it has affected the masses. They don’t buy fuel, they spend our money, they don’t know the magnitude of the problem that the masses are going through. They asked Lamido Sanusi the last time he bought fuel. He said, he didn’t know. So it means that they use everything free and the masses are suffering.
They are supposed to be working for the masses but they are against the masses now. They are now representing us well. free fuel, food and everything while the common man on the street suffers.
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