Strike called off as FG reduce oil price to N97!!

Today marks the second d̶̲̥̅̊ά̲̣̥γ̲̣ of the suspension of strike called by NLC/TUC and it also marks the d̶̲̥̅̊ά̲̣̥γ̲̣ the Federal Government reverts it price to N97 from the previous N141 it has set as the benchmark set for fuel subsidy removal.

Labour has also called off the strike called to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy. Its been reported that the nation's airports have also resumed activities and incoming and outgoing flights.

Nigerian Police has said that any protests carried out from today would be deemed illegal and they would be arrested while those calling for A̶̲̥̅̊ change in Government would be arrested for treason.

The Federal Government also ordered the military onto the streets of Lagos and some other states to ensure that there was  breakdown of law and order in the country.

Strike suspension - Day 1: Labour Unions(position) resolve that FG must revert to N65 before negotiations.

Today marks the first day for the suspension of the general strike and its also decision day. A meeting has been called between Labour representatives and the Federal Government to try and reach a resolution.

The question we really need to ask ourselves is that, is it really above subsidy? Well, I believe its mainly about fighting corruption. In the 2011 budget over N200b was budgeted for subsidy payments and by September 2011. Over N1.3t had been spent. The issue is that if the agency (PPRA) in charge of ensuring that products are actually delivered where they are meant to, then the amount would not be this high.

Lets agree that this figure actually represents the figure to be paid for subsidy, then why spend funds that was not budgeted. I believe the Federal Government really wants to resolve this issue once and for all to benefit all Nigerians but the people have shown that they would need more commitment from the side of the Government.

It is hope that a middle ground would be reached soon.

Strike Update – Day 5: Labour Unions suspends strike as FG gives condition for N65!!!!

After reaching a deadlock with the Federal Government in negotiations on how to resolve the on going strike in Nigeria over fuel subsidy removal, Labour leaders have decided to call off the strike for Saturday and Sunday 14^th and 15^th January 2012 in order to allow their leaders travel from around the country to Abuja for negotiations with the Government. It requested its members in the aviation industry to allow airlines operate this weekend.

South East/South South Elders have meanwhile said that the current protest against fuel subsidy removal in the country is a smokescreen to make Nigeria ungovernable for President Jonathan. 

Unconfirmed reports from www.informationnigeria.org suggests that the Federal Government agreed to revert back to N65 fuel pump price on two conditions. The conditions are as  follows:

·         To revert back to N65 now on the condition that it is completely removed in April 2012

·         To revert back to N65 and withdraw 80% of the subsidy in March 2012, meaning that petrol would sell for N120 if by the 1^st of April 2012.

Labour didn’t however agree to any of the options above which is why the strike continued today Friday 13^th January 2012 and its has summoned an emergency meeting with its executives for Saturday to brief them on the meeting with the Government.

This is hoping that a speedy resolution will be reached.

Strike Update – Day 4: President Goodluck to meet with Labour today!!

 It has been reported that President Goodluck Jonathan will this evening meet with NLC and TUC leaders to try and find a solution to the current impasse on the removal of fuel subsidy. It is hoped that a position that will favour all will be reached.

The turnout today all around the nation was almost similar the that of yesterday. In Abia State, civil servants refused to turn up for work after a resolution passed by the State house of Assembly asking them to do so.

In Bornu State, the government has imposed a 5pm to 7am curfew in the state to ensure that hoodlums do not take advantage of this period of mass protests.

The Edo State Police command has reportedly arrested over 50 suspected people that robbed the Bureau de Change in Edo State.

Kaduna Sate government relaxes the the 24 hour curfew in the state and is now 1pm to 5pm.

A large group of women joined the protesters in Kano State as thousands marched from the old site of Bayero University down to Kofar Naisa open space. It was reportedly peaceful.

In Ogun state, a large turnout was experienced in Ijebu-Ode and they marched peacefully round the town while violence broke out in Abeokuta as miscreants tried to take over the rally by demanding money from motorists.

In Ekiti State, protesters have vowed to remain at the Fajuyi Memorial Park until government decision on subsidy removal is reversed.

  It is hoped that the meeting between the FG and Labour Leaders will produce a positive outcome.

Strike Update – Day 3: FG on Fuel subsidy while Labour paralyses the country.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has vowed to press ahead with its controversial deregulation policy after its weekly Federal Executive Council meeting today. The Minister for information, Mr. Labaran Maku accused labour leaders of creating more pains for Nigerians with the ongoing general strikes.

Meanwhile, today being the third day of the general mass protest called by Labour witnessed  a large turnout all over as businesses were shut in most parts of the country. There was a large crowd at the Ojota Park, (Gani Freedom Park) where a lot of activists continue to demand for the reversal of the fuel price and prosecution of those involved in the ripping off of the nation.

Civil Servants defied the order of the Federal Government to resume work. The Secretariat was devoid of the usual hustle and bustle as workers continue to stand solidly with Labour.

PENGASSAN has declared that it is solidly behind NLC and TUC  and reiterated that before the removal of fuel subsidy, some conditions must be met such as fixing of Refineries and building more, regular power supply,etc. They called on all Nigerians not to be weary and continue to support the NLC and TUC.

In Minna, Niger State, there were reports of of riots during the mass rallies and the State government has had to declare a 24 hour curfew in the state.

I would like to ask all Nigerians to ensure that violence is not resorted to during this mass rallies and implore the Government and Labour to find a swift solution to this impasse.

Strike Update – Day 2: Update

Today marked the second day of the protests called by the NLC, TUC and other activists against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. Today’s protest was generally more peaceful and there was a lot more people out taking part in the protests.

In the seaport in Lagos, operations were grounded as there was visibly no activity going on. A large presence of security was around to protect the ports but there was no business activity going on as people obeyed the sit at home order. At the Airports, International Flights where in operation while the Local Airport was grounded.

In the Federal Capital Territory, the protest was in full force as the Federal Secretariat was under lock and key. In Kwara State, the strike continued for the second day running and it took off from the NLC secretariat through Offa road and headed for the Government House.

It was reported later this evening that the Police fired live bullets at Jakande Round about, Lekki to scare off protesters.

In general, the general protest spread round the country and presently it seems the citizens of this country are solidly behind NLC and TUC and the demand is for the Federal Government to revert back to its former N65 before any negotiations can take place.

Some protesters were reportedly at the premises of Femi Otedola though this report could not be confirmed and two lives were also lost in Lagos State as a reckless driver hit and run over some protesters while trying to avoid a burn fire.

We look forward to the third day of protests.

 

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Unconfirmed reports say that ''Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, told BBC World News this morning that it was the State Governors that demanded the removal of fuel subsidy, to increase their incomes. And this demand predates her appointment, (meaning this scam was in plan before she was appointed to office as Minister of Finance) she asserts on BBC.Who are we to  believe now?

If this is true, it means the Governors are also in the know of the removal of subsidy, but what efforts have been made to reduce the pains of their citizens. Our leaders must ensure that the citizenry do not suffer for an offence they did not help in creating.

Strike Day 1: One Dead, Nigeria grounded!!!!

Today is the day the general strike called by NLC and TUC and everywhere was shut down. From Kwara to Lagos, from Oyo to Kano people trooped out enmassed to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy. Government Offices were under lock and key in all the states and there was a total paralysis of Government activities.

Reports from Gombe State say that miscreants took over the protests and disrupted it and the President has said that the passage of motion by House of Reps passing a motion against the fuel subsidy is a mere expression of their opinion.

In Lagos State, one life was reported lost around Ogba and it has really caused a lot of uproar in the social media. Ademola Aderinde is the name of the young man felled by bullet of the Nigerian Police.

Protest was also carried out in Ilorin and the security operatives were well behaved and did not disrupt the proceedings.

In general, Nigerians want the price of fuel reverted back to the former N65 and the so called cabals arrested if found guilty.

More updates to follow….