Monday, January 9, 2012

WITHDRAWAL OF FUEL SUBSIDY STRIKE - DAY ONE

This strike and protest are starting to show some indications that most people are not interested in what is being discussed in the country, they are only interested in what they can gain from whatever situation they find themselves. Decision not to write about the anticipated strike and demonstrations on the withdrawal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria was based on the fact that a good analysis of the situation can only be clear after the first day of the strike. 

As early as 4.30am, many residence of Abuja engaged in private businesses woke up hoping to beat road blockade or whatever that might prevent people having access to their workplace. But surprisingly, there was calm in the town and whoever came out was neither prevented from moving about nor harassed as long as you can adequately identify yourself when questioned by security personnel on the street. Then watching from the television, one could clearly identify miscreants who have taken advantage of the situation to cause problems. They were seen making burn-fire, destroying public properties, attacking security personnel, looting and even in one occasion at Ibadan, a man was caught stealing mobile phones of fellow protesters. You can imagine what he had in mind when coming out for today's activity (operation). In a proper demonstration, a demonstrator only walks on the street, displaying his banner or placard as visible as possible to passers bye and camera while chanting songs or slogans as he may wish. This was not the case in today's protest match.  Nigerians, please lets come together and be useful to ourselves in order to make a headway in future. I also found out there is lack of public enlightenment about the condition of the subsidy removal. I even heard of a woman that gave birth early yesterday and has decided to name her son Chukwu-bu-Subsidy (meaning, "God is my subsidy"). Many do not know why the demonstration is on, what caused the demonstration and what alternatives are available.

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