The Nigeria Police Force has launched a massive plan to combat protests and riots that may occur in reaction to the Federal Government’s removal of subsidy on petroleum products.
Our correspondents gathered that the Force Headquarters, Abuja, put all the state commands on high alert following the Nigeria Labour Congress’ recent warning that Nigerians should get ready for mass action.
On Tuesday, President Goodluck Jonathan presented the 2012 budget proposal to the National Assembly, without providing for the fuel subsidy. Reacting, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, said protest was inevitable.
He had said, “The exclusion of fuel subsidy in the budget is not only tragic, but a declaration of war on the Nigerian people. Thus, the Nigerian people will have no choice but to confront this challenge.
“We call on all Nigerian workers and people to begin preparations for a general strike and mass protest. The people must be prepared in the next few weeks when the Jonathan administration begins to implement his anti-Nigerian policy. Nigerians should prepare to occupy the streets and public institutions to prevent them from being taken over by unpatriotic forces.”
THE EAGLE learnt that the police authorities launched the plan to curtail the protest shortly after Lakemfa’s declaration.
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