Nigerians in hundreds registered their anger against the removal of fuel subsidy today, amidst heavy security presence at Eagle Square, Abuja.
A combined team of soldiers, State Security Service (SSS) and police men positioned themselves in and around Eagle Square in what appeared an attempt forcefully stop the signing of the protest register.
However, Nigerians both young and old in a show of defiance ventured to Eagle Square to sign the register despite the presence of Gun trotting security men determined to stop the protest.
Initially organized as a simple signature register of protest against the removal of fuel subsidies by the federal government, the attempt by security forces to stop the exercise aggravated the situation turning the event into a protest of some sort.
The signing of the register was moved from within the Eagle Square Complex to the access road that divides the square and the federal secretariat complex.
Intermittently the security forces and protester would face-off as they attempt to seize the register causing the protesters to fiercely resist.
Attempts to disperse protesters was resisted with some protesters even challenging security agents to shoot them when police men carrying guns surrounded protesters.
Former member of the House of legislative Dino Melaye who is the convener of the registration protest while talking to press men, described the harassment by police on protesters as exemplary of the draconian spirit of the present government.
He further criticized the decision to remove subsidy as anti people, saying “President Jonathan has turned from a weak president to a wicked president”.
Earlier, before the protest started proper, former Minister of the Abuja, Nasiru El Rufai made an appearance of solidarity with the organizers; walking around Eagle Square with a retinue of supporters.
Speaking to Daily Trust, he described the removal of subsidy at this time was unacceptable and insensitive to the plight of Nigerians, especially as the president was reported to have budgeted about a billion naira for his personal feeding.
He said it was up to Nigerians to push against subsidy removal, saying the President has made his move, but the National Assembly can make provision for it in the budget.
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