NEWS
Happening Now: Police Helpless, As Economic Hardship Protests Takeover Lagos
In what can be described as a triumph of the peoples will and breaking into fragments, an anti-hardship protest has broken out in Lagos on Monday.
Biztellers reports that a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) had hit Abuja last week, protesting against the proposed anti-hardship protest the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had scheduled for the last two days of February 2024.
In a similar manner, Benin City, the Edo State capital had witnessed anti-hardship protests, while National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had urged the NLC to pay priority attention to national development, instead of protesting.
This discordant tunes coming out from the civil society and organised labour segments of the Nigerian society almost epitomise the high tempo-political campaigns that precede elections.
What make the situation more intriguing is that in Lagos State, the Police had warned against anti-hardship protests but a group, “Take It Back Movement” (TIB), would have none of that.
The protest, Biztellers reports was to draw attention to the soaring prices of food and the high cost of living in Nigeria.
Residents of Lagos are also worried about the cost of intra-city transportation.
Recall that the Commissioner, Lagos State Police Command, Adegoke Fayoade, on Sunday, cautioned against any form of protest in the state.
He was probably acting of information at his disposal.
According to Fayoade, the police were aware of the plan by some people to protest in the state and would put necessary measures put in place for the safety of the lives and property of Lagosians.
The Police Commissioner assured that nothing would hinder the free flow of traffic or a peaceful environment to let residents carry out their lawful duties.
However, determined not to be held down by the Police authorities, the protesters were seen carrying placards of various inscriptions at the Ojuelegba area of Lagos.
It was gathered that they had matched from Yaba to Maryland and would be joining the planned national protests by the organised labour.
National Coordinator, TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, explained that the protest was a demonstration of the people’s will against oppressive tendencies and hardship.
In his words, “Yes, despite police attempts to frustrate the people, Lagosians stood their ground. The police are paid with taxpayers’ money. They are meant to secure us.
“We were able to match from Yaba Labour House to Maryland. The protest will continue tomorrow and updates will be given.
“We will join (the) NLC in their nationwide mass action to put an end to this hardship created by the ruling elite.”
On their demands, Sanyaolu said, “The Tinubu-led government must immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and other policies of the International Monetary Fund imposed on Nigerians.”
Some other members of the CSOs, like the Joint Action Front (JAF) and the Coalition for Revolution (CR) were noticed among the protesters.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and a detachment of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) were also seen monitoring the protests.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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Kaia Towne
February 26, 2024 at 9:38 pm
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