Nigerian Times

Nationwide strike over removal of fuel subsidy shuts down Nigeria. Nigerians rally against the removal of fuel subsidy on petrol at the popular Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos.Photo Credit: Nairaland . In spite of the spate of terrorist attacks by the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic Jihad group and other unidentified elements of the lunatic fringe on rampage in the middle belt and northern states, the nationwide strike to protest the undemocratic removal of the fuel subsidy on petrol has shutdown all commercial activities in Nigeria, except for neighbourhood convenience stores and canteens where the people could buy foods and drinks to feed and stay the course of the strike action. Prof. Pat Utomi among protesters on the street at Falomo roundabout in Ikoyi, Lagos. Photo Credit: Nairaland . The organized labour unions, Nigerian Bar Association, human rights bodies, student unions, both academic and non-academic staff unions and other coalitions called Occupy Nigeria led the vanguard of ...

President Goodluck Jonathan plunged himself into a quagmire between the devil called "Boko Haram" and the deep blue sea of angry masses protesting the unpopular removal of the fuel subsidy on petrol since New Year's day to date. Mr. President, Public Offers and Sensitization about Oil Deregulation Came too late ~ By John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D No one doubts that there could be a long-term benefits for all Nigerians from the massive oil price deregulation but the ill-timed manner by which executive decision was made showed poor management style. This leadership blunder has not only resulted in a state of economic and social confusion but it has equally received tensed response to split-minded way with which the government reached its decision. The ineffectiveness behind the fuel subsidy removal order remains clear as evidenced in the people’s painful reactions. Certainly, in an economy like Nigeria which is marked by severe economic gap and class division among the people,...

10 Mar 2011 14:27 Africa/Lagos Sudan / Crackdown on peaceful protest continues KARTHOUM, March 10, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Sudanese authorities must release over 50 protesters arrested during a peaceful anti-government demonstration in the capital Khartoum, Amnesty International said today. Police and Agents of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) reportedly beat protesters in Abu Jenzir Square who were calling for an end to President Al Bashir's 21-year rule. Among those arrested are prominent human rights activists, politicians and journalists. Some were arrested at their homes by the NISS. The protest was part of ongoing demonstrations organized by youth groups and opposition parties inspired by the anti-government protests in North Africa. "The Sudanese government must immediately release all demonstrators" said Erwin van der Borght Amnesty International's Africa Director. "The authorities must also investigate all all...