The Save Nigeria Group, SNG and other civil society groups, at a mass rally held at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos on Monday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to rescind the decision to remove fuel subsidy.
The mass rally, which lasted for about 6 hours and had in attendance some musicians and Nollywoood stars, was largely peaceful. Tunde Bakare, convener, SNG, said the mass protest would continue until the price of fuel reverts to the initial N65 per litre. Femi Falana, lawyer and activist noted that subsidy removal would aggravate the poverty of the masses.
“Nigeria is the only country where cabals are untouchable. We are resolved that all the enemy of Nigeria should be exposed,” Falana said.
Tunji Braithwaite, a politician and activist said the rally was the beginning of a revolution. He called on security agencies to join the people in the revolution.
The rally saw artistes such as Femi Kuti, Wasiu Ayinde, 9ice, Ras Kimono performing in between speeches delivered by labour leaders and social activists.
Our correspondent reports that backwater communities of Agbado Ijaiye to the tollgate area of Sango, shops, schools and businesses were shut as the crippling effect of the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress took its toll on businesses on Monday. Cars and commercial buses alike deserted the streets. In the place of vehicular movement, teenagers were seen playing soccer on the streets.
-Additional reporting by Folasade Adebayo
