Mass action Day 2: Jonathan, labour talk tough

As the mass action aimed at reversing the pump price of petrol to N65 and ensuring probity in governance enters Day 2, both the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and those opposed to the government, led by organized labour, have vowed to stick to their positions.

Jonathan, speaking on the Nigerian Television Authority after the first day of the mass action that grounded economic and social activities in most parts of the country, said, “The regime of subsidy on petrol has come to an end. This is a bold stance I have taken and the international community has applauded me while some misinformed Nigerians are playing politics with it. I will not back down, I will not resign, and nothing will happen.”

But most Nigerians, backed by both the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, have vowed to see to the reversal of the price of petrol and instill accountability and transparency in government.

Reports from several parts of the country this morning indicated that the mass action remained effective.

In Abuja, vehicles were prevented from moving in Wuse area, according to reliable sources.

Lagos also still remained grounded on the Day 2 of the mass action.

This is as more information came in on the identity of the men shot by a team from the Pen Cinema Police Station.

The team was led by the Divisional Police Officer of the station, Olusegun Fabunmi.

He is being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department, Panti.

Ademola Aderinto, 26, who died from the police gunshots, was said to be a tailor and commercial motorcyclist (okada rider).

Alimi Abubakar, a vulcanizer, and Ebujor Samuel, who is 23, were both shot on the thigh.

Tension remains high around the area as the youths are said to be bent on avenging the death of their peers.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway also remained a no-go area early this morning.

The road was blocked by “area boys” who prevented passage of vehicles, even for those who attempted to leave early in order not to get caught up in the no movement order.

The boys were reportedly carrying dangerous weapons such as cutlasses and axes, according to eyewitnesses.

Further updates, as the news break, will be available on this site.