Civil society groups yesterday reiterated their determination to continue its protest on Lagos streets, until the Federal Government rescinds its decision on the removal of fuel subsidy. They warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) never to succumb to government’s propaganda and blackmail, stressing that, if labour calls off the strike, the protests would go on, until government reverts the fuel pump price to N65 per litre.

The Convener of Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Pastor Tunde Bakare told the protesters that government was planning to break the rank of labour and blackmail civil society groups by spreading the rumour that the protests are sponsored by unidentified politicians for personal gains.

Urging Nigerians to be wary of such propaganda, he said: “Civil society groups are collaborating with the NLC and TUC and we are not sponsored by politicians”.

Bakare’s clarification came on the heels of alleged plans by government to sanction the private broadcasting stations which have offered live coverage for the demonstrations in Lagos and Abuja.

At the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota yesterday, the crowd doubled. Elite, professionals, clergymen, traditional rulers, politicians, and retirees joined the civil society organisations for the rally which lasted for eight hours.

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) erected a mobile clinic at Ojota, offering first aid to protesters. Also, SNG chieftain Yinka Odumakin, told the protesters that the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) had set up emergency centres at Ikeja, Ogba, Gbagada, Magodo, Yaba, Ikotun and Satelite Town for services.

A team of policemen maintained their presence at the venue of the protest throughout the rally. But there was no faceoff between protesters and security agents because the protest was orderly.

At the rally were the Campaign for Democracy (CD) leader, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, leader of the Campaign Against Corrupt Leaders, Debo Adediran, Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups (COSEG) Secretary, Rasak Olokoba, ace musician Wasiu Ayinde, actresses; Clara Chukwuma, Sikiratu Sindodo, Salawa Abeni, and a representative of Ogboni Confraternity.

Bakare hailed the intervention of past leaders, including former President Shehu Shagari and Gen. Yabubu Gowon, Senators and members of the House of Representatives who have enjoined the President to listen to the cries of Nigerians. He said: “Even, Obasanjo said ‘no to subsidy’. But Jonathan is a deaf animal destined to be killed by a hunter”.

Bakare explained that the subsidy protest transcends the affairs of labour unions, stressing that it is an issue affecting all Nigerians. He said: “If NLC and TUC calls off the strike without government reverting the price to N65, the protest will go on. There are more people without jobs who will continue the protest”.

The cleric said these Nigerians are demanding that President Goodluck Jonathan should halt the trend of corruption and profligacy on the part of government.

Bakare added: “No retreat, no surrender. We will continue the protest, until government rescinds its decision. Nigerians put them in power to serve their interest. We say no to oppression”.

Mrs. Chukwuma said: “What we condemn is the dishonesty on the part of government”, advising the President to retrace his steps.

Ayinde Wasiu said: “We elected them into office. People gave them support. They must give us our due”.

Mrs. Salawa said: “Jonathan has ear. Let him hear. We want our demands met now”.