NBA Protests In Lagos Against Subsidy Removal

Members of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association this morning took to the streets to protest the removal of subsidy on fuel by the Federal Government.

Led by the branch chairman, Mr. Adegbamigbe Omole, members of the association marched with protest placards from the Ikeja High Court to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Some inscriptions on the placards read: ‘Lawyers Say No To Fuel Subsidy Removal’, ‘No To Fuel Price Hike’, ‘Jonathan resign if you are bereft of ideas’ and ‘Jonathan must go’

In a leaflet calling for members of the public to support the general strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, distributed by the protesting members, the association called on Nigerians to rise up and defend their future.

The NBA branch chairman later addressed a crowd of people who gathered at Allen Roundabout.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Adegbamigbe called on Nigerians to take to the streets to ensure the government rescind its decision on fuel subsidy removal.

He said: “We must not allow this evil to continue. The increase in fuel price is only to the benefit of the rich and people in control of government. They want us to make sacrifices while they and their families continue to enjoy. This must stop!

“Nigerians, rise up and defend your lives and the future of your children. Protest peacefully, protest massively protest continuously.

“Nigeria is not for only some privileged few, but for all of us. Sovereignty belongs to the people, to you and not the government. This government is our servant and we must not become slaves in our land.”

After addressing the crowd, members of the association proceeded to the State House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja, to forward a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan.

—Henry Ojelu