As the nationwide strike action called by organised labour and its civil society allies against the removal of fuel subsidy enters its third day, commercial activities remained grounded across most states of the federation. Also, pockets of violence have been reported across the country. Here’s the situation report from various states.
You may also send us reports on what’s happening in your area. Send your articles and photographs to editoronline@leadership.ng
Lagos
By Taiwo Ogunmola
Millions of Lagosians trooped out to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park at Ojota, to register their grievances on the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.
Popular artists like Tunde Omidina popularly known as Baba Suwe, Femi Kuti, Shina Peter, Ayo Badmus, Saheed Osupa, among others took the stage to protest the removal of fuel subsidy in songs.
Pastor of Latter Rain Church, Tunde Bakare told the crowd that Nigerians cannot be divided by religion. “We will never allow religion to divide us. I understand that more people were killed at Ibafo and other areas in Lagos but we will ensure peace”, he said.
After his speech, Lagosians at the park echoed that Jonathan must go.
Niger State
Abu Nmodu
The nationwide strike and protest in Niger state is getting tougher as protesting youths torched the campaign office of Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at Mobile Roundabout, Minna.
Also razed, was the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along David Mark Road, Minna and the residence of Dahiru Aweisu, Senator representing Niger East.
Similarly, the private law chamber of the state deputy Chairman of PDP, Tanko Bejin along Bosso road after government house has been set ablaze by the irate youths.
Meanwhile major markets, shops, offices have remained shut for three days as youths blocked all intra and inter city roads.
Major roads within Minna, especially the popular Mobile Roundabout was virtually taken over by the protesting youths as the police tried hard to control them.
Some youths have blocked the road leading to Abuja at Lambata in Gurara local government of the state, disallowing vehicles from moving out of the state, even as taxi drivers refused to ply any of the routes in the state.
The outbreak of violence may not be unconnected to the take-over of the protest by some persons under the umbrella of Concerned Youths.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP in a telephone interview, the Police Public Relation Officer in charge of the state police Command Richard Adamu Oguche said the command has drafted a deputy commissioner of Police to the Lambata where it was reported that some youths have taken over the road and were extorting money from innocent people.
He said that the police was on top of the situation.
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Abuja
By Moses John
Day three of the nationwide strike declared by the organised labour over the withdrawal of fuel subsidy saw more protesters on Abuja streets.
The procession which began as usual from the Berger roundabout at 9am, went through Arab – Jabi Park, to Area 1.
Speaking with journalists shortly before taking off, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwaheed Omar said no amount of intimidation can deterred the labour movement on the fight against reversal of fuel pump price to N65 per litre.
Omar added that Nigerians must come together and resist oppression from the ruling class and their policies.
Kano State
Protesters trooped out en masse on Wednesday amidst tight security. All roads leading to the Government House was cordoned off by a combined team of military, police and vigilante agents.
Offices, banks, markets and stalls were still under lock and key.
Also, the Nigerian Bar Association staged a peaceful protest within the premises of the state's high court.
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Bayelsa State
By Osa Okhomina
On Wednesday, the governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Famous Danemuaghan, the IYC leadership, and ex-militants staged a solidarity march on the streets of Yenagoa in support of the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.
The solidarity march, which drew hundreds of youths, political leaders, kicked off at about 11am and is still on.
Rivers State
By Anayo Onukwugha
Civil society groups in Rivers State have accused the organised labour in the state of betrayal in the on-going protests against withdrawal of subsidy from petrol.
They say the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reneged on an agreement reached with them when they (labour) decided to take their protest to Government House, Port Harcourt.
Executive Director of Social Action, a Port Harcourt-based civil society organization, Comrade Celestine Akpobari told LEADERSHIP on telephone on Wednesday that civil society groups agreed with the organised labour to protest on major streets of the state capital but were taken aback when the leadership of NLC and TUC breached the agreement and moved to see Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Akpobari said the civil society groups will resume their protests against the withdrawal of fuel subsidy on Thursday, in order to cover areas where the organised labour failed to cover.