It was a protest against the nationwide protests organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Civil Society Organizations, as Ex-Agitators, apparently seizing on the Nigerian factor of protecting their kith and kin, marched on the streets of Port Harcourt, supporting President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, on the vexed issue of the removal of subsidy.
On the first day of January 2012, the citizens of Nigeria woke up to hear the announcement that henceforth, there would be no subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol.
Instantly, the cost of fuel rose from original N65 to N150 and in some state, up to N200.
Some people who traveled during the Christmas were said to have sold their phones and laptops and other properties to return to their places of residents.
This is despite the assurance of the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that negotiations were still going on and no decision has been taken on the date to stop the subsidy on fuel.
Instantly, transporters take advantage of the rise in cost of fuel and increased their charges accordingly.
In Port Harcourt, a drop anywhere attracted N100.
It was utmost rage and fury all over the nation as work came to a halt and protesters marched through the streets demanding for immediate reversal of the decision, leading to some deaths and loss of billions of naira by the nation crying over lack of money.
The crowd disregarded federal government promises of a better use of funds through the stopping of the fuel subsidy which they said climbed to N1. 3 trillion last year, yet the citizens ignored and went on strike until the federal government capitulated and announced a price reduction of N97 per litre of fuel.
Labour consequently called off the strike, to the dissatisfaction of some citizens.
Strangely in Port Harcourt, electricity became almost constant during the strike.
Apart from one day protest led by the labour union in Rivers State, the case was different, as everywhere remained calm, until a counter protest reared up its head.
Alhaji Asari Dokubo, the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, NDPVF, staged his own, threatening to take over the oil wells, if PENGASSAN tries to close them.
Speaking to The Newswriter as they marched through the streets of Port Harcourt on Saturday, January 14, 2012, Fayeofori Jack, who introduced himself as one of the leaders of the ex-Agitators in Rivers State, said, “Subsidy removal will bring private investors to build more refineries to create jobs. May God give him (Gov. Amaechi) more ideas to rule Rivers people. Removal of fuel subsidy will open doors for investment in Nigeria. We support President Goodluck Jonathan for coming to the aid of Nigerians.
“Fuel subsidy removal will enable Governor Amaechi to build and take Rivers State to greater heights.
“Jonathan should be given a free hand to bring good vision to the people.”For some few days now, the nation is on fire because of the good things President Jonathan has for the nation. The government is trying to do good things for the masses because only few are benefiting while the masses are suffering”.
Also speaking, Fear God Iwoloma, a member of the group, said, “As you can see for the first time, we are coming out en-masse, not just as a group but as a body of ex-agitators. We saw what President Goodluck Jonathan is doing for the nation and we felt it is very good for the nation. What we are expecting Nigerians to do is to sacrifice for today and enjoy the benefits tomorrow.
“As youths, we know we are the future leaders of tomorrow and when we are seeing something that is good that will be beneficial for our tomorrow and our children to come we believe we should sacrifice.
“But for them to benefit tomorrow, we support the fuel removal. But all we are saying is if labour and civil society feel the price is two much, they should go into dialogue rather than going into strike. The poor masses are dying while they are benefiting.
“Where are the children of the cabals? They are in other nations. This (the subsidy removal) will create room for private investors to come and build refineries in our country which will generate employment.
“If we allow fuel subsidy, nobody will come to invest. If fuel subsidy is removed, so many countries will come and invest in this nation”.
As at the time of this report, fuel has suddenly gone scarce, transport still high and PHCN has gone back to its usual epileptic power supply.
Kenneth Amabipi
