Fuel Hike Protesters Arrested In Lagos
By Emmanuel Awosika
The Nigerian Police, today, arrested those protesting against the recent hike in price of fuel and electricity in the country.
The protesters were rounded up at the Ojuelegba area of Lagos.
Among those arrested include Hassan Soweto, National Youth Leader of the Socialist Party of Nigeria. The policemen also arrested some members of the SPN and reportedly seized gadgets belonging to journalists at the scene.
The Socialist Party of Nigeria released a statement on Thursday condemning the arrest of its members by men of the police.
The statement read, “We condemn this attack as part of the continuous descent of the country into a brutish state of military repression. It is completely unacceptable, and we enjoin all Nigerians interested in preserving this country’s hard-earned democracy to condemn this emboldened descent into a civilian-military dictatorship.
“We demand a public apology from the police for this ridiculous and unprofessional action taking against our comrades, and we ask that proper disciplinary measures be taken on those security officers involved.
“It’s important for you to note that Demonstrations and protests are a global phenomenon and are a part of the development of any society.”
The Federal Government recently announced an increase in the price of fuel from N145 to N151 per litre.
