Nigerians protest Fuel Hike as “Mother of All protests” Planned in Coming Days

Hundreds of angry Lagosians took their protests to the streets today, condemning the removal of fuel subsidy by what they termed a “wicked” “callous” and insensitive government.

Protests were led by the Joint Action Front and took off from Tejuosho, a suburb of Yaba in Lagos.

Protesters held various placards, demanding that Jonathan must reverse the decision. In some cases protesters likened an upcoming fate to be similar to that of Gadaffi for the embattled Nigerian leaders.

Many other protests occured today in diverse parts of Nigeria including Abuja, Oyo, Kwara and Kaduna.

Bullets from a policeman’s firearm snuffed life out of a young man identified as Sarafa Alaya in Illorin, Kwara during the protests.

Social media sites are awash with activity as many angry Nigerians are taking their protests online. Thousands of Nigerians are verbally abusing the president on his own Facebook page in what is probably the biggest online display of anti-government sentiment in Nigeria’s history.

Popular musicians Banky W, Seun Kuti, and ElDee also showed their solidarity with Nigerians by marching at the forefront with protesters in Lagos.

Michael Collins, CEO of  MO’ Hits records and vocal supporter of Goodluck during the campaigns also took to Twitter to apologize to Nigerians for his support of the president before the elections.

Burned tires littered the Ikorodu Road expressway as protesters shut down traffic to a stand still for hours. BRT buses also cordoned off sections of the highway in a show of solidarity.

The National Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to plan for more coordinated strike actions. They will undoubtedly be emboldened by today’s actions. However, some Nigerians are a bit skeptical about the Labour Unions believing that they can be bought out, citing Governor Oshiomole of Edo, a former labour leader who has not been vocal against the Federal Government’s policy.

Images via saharareporters

One Comment

1. 

   Okokon Etuk

   January 3, 2012 at 11:39 pm

   Really? the third picture ( the cop’s patrol van) is really scattered and need to be replaced……so embarassing for a country like Nigeria