Nigerian protests continue with mixed reactions

Nigerian protests continue with mixed reactions
Ben Shemang, Abuja

The nationwide strike called by Labour Unions in Nigeria entered the third day and reports from different parts of the country indicate that in some places, it went peacefully while others reported clashes with the police in some states.

In Abuja, the protesters were more in number than those who participated on the first and second day but it went on peacefully.

Eagle Square, Abuja

During the strike on Monday, the protesters wanted to enter and occupy Eagles Square - an arena for official functions. Incidentally, military personnel are rehearsing for the commemoration of the Nigerian Armed Forces Day coming up on January 15.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwaheed Omar, had to promise them that labour would occupy the Square on Tuesday, but again, they failed as routes to the arena were blocked by a combined team of police and military forces who were also well armed.

Among those who addressed the protesters were a former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, a popular musician, Charlie Boy, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ahmed El-Rufa'i.

Among protesters were pregnant women, children, students, other professional bodies.

The musician, Charlie Boy praised the police for being professional in crowd control as there were no incidents.

Ambulances followed protesters as they went through some major streets in Abuja.

Some people however made brisk business selling cool water, soft drinks among others.

Religious harmony

The strike in Abuja is to continue on Wednesday. Before leaving the scene, the youths said they had forgotten their religious differences to struggle for a common cause.

An Iman and Pastor were appointed to lead in prayers.

The case with Kaduna and Kano states was different as protesters wanted to enter the governor’s offices by for.

The Police had to shoot in the air and throw tear gas at the protesters.

In Plateau state, because of the state of emergency there, the strike is not effective as many people are going about their normal duties.

The labour leaders’ who addressed a press conference expressed their displeasure at the way and manner in which the fuel subsidy was removed by the president.

Niger Delta and South Eastern states indifference to the strike

The strike was not too effective in some states of this region including Bayelsa which is where President Goodluck Jonathan comes from.

The same development occurred in most South East states such as Anambra.

In Edo state, in the Niger Delta region, the strike is effective and the governor, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress says workers have a right to go on strike but condemned an incident in which a mosque has been attacked.

Defence Stand

The police, the military and other security agencies are not joining the strike.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Oluseyin Petirin, says Nigeria will overcome current security challenges and come out a more united strong nation.
In the meantime, the Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke says the motion passed by the House of Representatives that subsidy must not be removed is not enforceable in law, but advisory in nature.

The House of Representatives and Senate are currently negotiating with labour.