I cannot quote the article here and the copy/paste function doesn't work in the web page. But please everyone, please  read this.

http://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10150521447383340&id=47083793339&refid=0&_ft_a=47083793339&_ft_tf=10150521447383340&_ft_tpi=47083793339&_ft_ti=22&_ft_sai=2915120374&_ft_fth=461416e0f979e3d3&_ft_time_ft=1326310706&_ft_mf_objid=10150521447383340

Many Nigerian sites have gotten more and more depressing as of late - But, God Bless Nigeria.

Wow
Moderators please take this thread to the front page.

Ex-Inferis  - now that you have said all of this - are you willing to go back on your initial statement that we should stand united and face a common enemy (i.e. Boko Haram)? After all they are apparently doing Nigeria a service, as you have stated, and Igbos are an inferior race that should be wiped off the face of the earth.

Seig Heil!

I mean your calmer post about how we should tackle Boko Haram "together" doesn't make sense, being that you had just admitted that you hate seeing the sight of some Igbos, and the thought of them being bombed brings a smile to your face (those AIDS infested whores and criminals, the whole lot of them!). Every non-Igbo Nigerian on this thead here agrees, apparently.

Sorry - what was that about being united again?

Just checking!



I actually agree with many of the points raised by several posters about Boko Haram and who they are working for and think that there are manipulations at work which is seeking to tear Nigeria apart. However I'm starting not to care seeing that the average Nigerian (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani) is bigoted enough to want this to happen anyway. Win-win situation, it seems.

Gosh

Kobojunkie:

^^^ Why not ask yourself first why a Federal Government is purchasing 6000 buses?Why is a federal Government getting it's hands into road transportation when it is the Federal Government that is reason why our road transport system remains underdeveloped and road transport industry remains the way it is?

What is wrong is asking the right questions first? Will purchasing 6000 buses from Innoson or any other company cure the local economy? Or even the actual problems with our roads or road transport industry? Does Nigeria need the Federal Government, that has over 20,000 FAILED PROJECTS to look into and work on getting our money back from, need to take on another massive project such as this one? Does this administration, or any other, at this time, have even 1/10th of what it takes to run a decent National bus/road transport scheme/system?

Are you addressing me? Lol.

This is a good start - Hopefully this will increment to over 100% as we need all of the homegrown economy we can get.

And hopefully this won't be another white elephant scheme .

What I don't get about all of this venom here is the fact that on ground, much of the heat, tension, violence, and threat has been occurring everywhere except the SE.

Despite this, everyone sees it fit to heap a lot of trash on Igbos by virtue of an internet forum and a "warning" given out by some group. Never mind that Igbos have played the role of onlookers/victims so far, and never mind that other groups have issued the same warning without this much poison spewed out here. And never mind the irony that other regions have been agitated enough to commit reprisal killings.  

But then -  I forget that this is Nigeria, where logic and reason flies out of the window in the face of tribalism.

Everyone, please visit thread here:

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-842824.0.html

This is just to clear the air about subsidy protests happening/not happening in the East.

Anambra (Awka):

The masses of Anambra state led by NLC/TUC and some civil society groups marched to the state house today, in protest against fuel subsidy removal and fuel price hike. 

http://elombah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9383:govt-attack-protesters-1-killed-in-lagos&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=67


Efforts still made despite Enugu ban:

Fuel subsidy protest partially observed in Enugu

*Chime bans public assemblies, procession, CLO kicks

Tony Edike

09 January 2012, Sweetcrude, ENUGU—THE anti-fuel subsidy removal strike in Enugu State was partially observed by civil servants and those in the private sector following the State Government’s ban on public assemblies, meetings and procession anywhere in the state until further notice.

Governor Sullivan Chime had in the exercise of powers conferred on him as the Chief Security Officer of the state made a proclamation on Sunday night banning public assemblies, meetings and procession saying they were capable of leading to the breakdown of law and order.

The proclamation: “PROHIBITION OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS OR PUBLIC PROCESSION IN THE ENUGU STATE OF NIGERIA

“I, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, Governor of Enugu State of Nigeria; BEING OF THE OPINION that the holding of any public assemblies, meetings or public procession in any part of Enugu State of Nigeria would lead to the breakdown of law and order;

AND THAT it is therefore expedient to prohibit the holding of any public assemblies, meetings or public procession; ACCORDINGLY, in the exercises of the powers conferred on me by law and all other powers enabling me in that behalf;

HEREBY ISSUE THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION: The holding of any public assemblies, meetings or public procession in Enugu State of Nigeria is hereby prohibited until further notice.”

The government backed up the proclamation with a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, urging the residents and, indeed all her citizens to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation.

“Government, hereby, assures that appropriate security measures have been put in place to ensure the security of lives and property of the people. However, Government warns that any person or group of persons who attempts to cause any breach of peace will be severely dealt with.

Government, therefore, wishes to advise parents and guardians to warn their wards against being used to foment trouble. In the same vein, Government also reassures residents from other parts of the country not to leave the state as their security is guaranteed,” the government said.

In compliance with the government’s directive, officials of the state chapter of NLC, stopped their planned protest and rather converged at their secretariat at New Market area of Enugu where they were still holding a marathon meeting by press time yesterday.

Apart from a handful of lawyers under the aegis of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA led by the sate chairman, Barrister Mrs. Nnenna Uko, who staged a peaceful procession condemning the removal of the fuel subsidy by the federal government, the entire state was very peaceful on the first day of the nationwide protest.

While some civil servants refused to show up in their offices, some banks were opened to customers while others admitted customers through the back doors. Most federal government owned offices including the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN were shut.

However, the Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, South East zone condemned the state government’s ban of public assemblies, meetings and procession saying the government had no right to make such a proclamation.

In a statement issued in Enugu yesterday, the Zonal Director of CLO, Barrister Olu Omotayo, said the state government’s action was wrong insisting that “Nigerians have the Constitutional right to protest by virtue of Section 40 of the Constitution of Nigeria, which provides for the Right to peaceful assembly and association.”

He also cited the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja in the case of All Nigeria Peoples Party and 11 others vs. Inspector General of Police in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/54/2004 in which case “Justice Chikelue held among other things that: the requirement of Police permit or other authority for the holding of rallies or procession is illegal and unconstitutional as it violates Section 40 of the Constitution of Nigeria.”

“Furthermore, the Public Order Act under which the police and governors always act is a federal enactment which cannot take away the right provided for by Section 40 of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the country,” he added.

Omotayo, therefore, urged all protesters to disregard the threat by the state government and the police and come out en-mass to say no to the act of the oppressors against the good people of Nigeria.

http://sweetcrudereports.com/2012/01/09/fuel-subsidy-protest-partially-observed-in-enugu/

Imo State (Orlu)

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/citizens-report-fuel-subsidy-protest-2-protests-peaceful-successful/

Citizens report (2): Protests peaceful, successful
on JANUARY 9, 2012 · in NEWS
| 5:35 pm
     
As the first day of mass protests against the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government is coming to a close, reports from our citizen reporters showed that the protests were generally peaceful and successful.

As the result of the nationwide strike and mass protests, major cities and towns in the country were deserted while some recorded fewer vehicular and human traffic, as government and economic activities were grounded around the country.

However, there were few cases of violence and clashes with security agents.

Excerpts are reports across the country as reported by our citizen reporters who give eye witness accounts of the protests as it were in their areas.


youths and teenagers protesting in Kaduna
No chaos in Minna
By Peter Olajide, Minna.

The protest is taking a huge dimensions as touts are moving about with leaves hanged on their machines and motors instead of ‘placards’. However the security personnel are not found in strategic locations rather they assembled in the protest ground (David Mark road). Also, some manned the political office holders’ houses.

However, economic activities were grounded as all shops, banks, PHCN, fuel stations, among others were shut. Till this moment, no case of chaos has been reported other than the rough-riding and leave bugging within the city of Minna.

Protest peaceful in Abeokuta
By Arogundade Ahmed, Abeokuta

The subsidy protest went peacefully as there was large turnout of youths in the areas. Meanwhile, all the roads at Ijaye, Okejigbo, Nawairudeen, Ilogbo were blocked by the youths who prevented vehicles from passing.

Banks, shops closed in Orlu
By Chibuzo, Orlu

Like I every other major cities in the country, Orlu town in Imo State also witnessed a peaceful protest against the removal of the fuel subsidy. Commercial activities were also affected. Protesters were very peaceful. Banks and other business outfits were closed. The town also recorded less vehicular movement on major roads.

Hoodlums loot shops at Alaba Rago
By Akeem, Okokomaiko

Hoodlums have taken advantage of the protest to vandalize and loot people’s shops and property at Alaba rago. We need more policemen.

Low turnout mar protest in Ika, Delta State
By Peter, Agbor

The protest was not serious in the two local governments that make up Ika nation in Delta State as vehicular movement and all petrol stations were carrying out their normal business.

Teenagers, children join protest in Kaduna

It was an uncommon scene today to see children aged 10 and above matched in groups to Lugard Hall Round About at Ali Akilu in Kaduna town protesting against the fuel subsidy removal.

Ondo records large turnout


Bonfire
By Maxwell, Akure

The protest was serious in my place Odigbo LGA in Ondo State. Protesters came out en mass  to display their grievances over the fuel subsidy removal. The protesters blocked Benin – Lagos road to stop travelers from continuing on their journey. For now, no ugly incident has been recorded.

Police disperse protesters with teargas in Bida
By Haruna, Niger

Protesters in Bida, Niger State were tear-gassed by the Policemen deployed to the Emir’s palace in a bid to disperse the protesters. However, the protesters reacted by throwing stones at the police. We need more security personnel here.

No protest in Onitsha
By Victor Okwusogu, Onitsha

Unlike other big cities in the country, no protest was recorded in Onitsha. Business activities went on as usual. However, institutions like banks did not open business.

Feel free to update this thread with pictures, ongoing newsfeed, etc.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jan/09/chinua-achebe-nigeria-fuel-subsidy-protests

Chinua Achebe is heading a group of 38 Nigerian authors who are throwing their weight behind mass protests in the country at the government's withdrawal of the state fuel subsidy.

The internationally acclaimed, bestselling novelist Achebe was joined by Caine prize winner EC Osondu, Commonwealth writers prize winner Helon Habila and 35 other Nigerian authors in issuing a "Statement of Solidarity with the Nigerian People" on Sunday. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Nigeria since the announcement at the beginning of the year that the country's state fuel subsidy programme would be discontinued, leading petrol pump prices to more than double to around $1 a litre.

The authors called the timing of the move "ill-advised", coming as it does shortly after a series of religiously motivated attacks on churchgoers.

"We stand with the Nigerian people who are protesting the removal of oil subsidy which has placed an unbearable economic weight on their lives. This action has clearly imposed an untenable and unfair burden on those segments of Nigerians who are already impoverished – subsisting on less than $2 a day. We call on President Jonathan to immediately change course," said the authors in their statement.

"By reverting to the old prices of petroleum products, President Jonathan can work to diffuse tension in the country and exemplify the true servant leader who not only serves but also listens to his people. To insist on having his way, and to deploy state security and legal apparati to crush growing popular uprisings is to stamp on a highly valued tenet of democracy – the right to peaceful assembly – and to inadvertently promote greater violence in the country."

Achebe and his fellow authors also called on President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria's political leaders to "tackle the state of lawlessness in certain parts of the nation and address the trepidation and rage that has reached dangerous levels within the Nigerian populace".

"Clearly, the sophistication and deadly impact of the terrorist attacks suggest an agenda to create widespread fear and, possibly, to foment anarchy or war. President Jonathan has no greater duty than to ensure that Nigerians are safe wherever they live or visit within the country," they wrote, suggesting that Jonathan "outline both short and long-term plans to comprehensively address the scourge of terror", that he "appoint competent and committed officials to head the various security agencies", and that he "serve as an agent to heal the many divisions plaguing Nigeria, and persuade all well-meaning people to enlist in the fight against festering violence".

Good move on his part. I hope that soon, ALL Nigerians form a united front and put the government to task on this.

BlackPikiN:

The perpetrators of this dastardly act would be brought to justice and we will leave no stone unturned, FG


As I type, the Igbos are meeting.
The conclusion of the meeting would make everything else a child's play.
That's what Nigerians want. They all want to see the devil in the Igbo man.
Igbos dont want to kill but the outcome of the meeting would make sure it shakes the foundation of the entity called Nigeria.

As for now let the killing continue and let everybody have a great field day.



I wont be surprised to see idiots condemn the Igbos when they strike back.
I mean there are real idiots that would blame the Igbos when igbos defend themselves.

Please don't do this - this is exactly what some hidden forces want . They want chaos and anarchy.

The best thing is to have Igbos and ALL southerners up North relocate down south - it doesn't matter where (Lagos,  PH, Enugu, Owerri, etc).

Aren't there groups that can organize free transportation services from the North? Lots of Igbos are in charge of buses to and from the there - I think. This is the time to plan out an escape strategy.

By the way, someone had posted this article on another thread. Here it is - please read it and decide:

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2011/11/14/nigeria-targeted-for-destruction/

Abagworo:

The truth is that people never read and analyze stories from two angles but accept whole heartedly what the Western media propaganda says.  Nigerians are brainless and most especially suffer from a deep rooted tribalism that affects their thinking faculty.

^^^I agree with the bolded.

Igbo people should not be incited to violence. It is unfortunate that Igbos are used as pawns but let us lie low. I can now see that that a big dead rat is stinking. Don't fall for it.

If anything, Nigerians as a collective whole should face our corrupt leaders and hold them to task.

This divide and rule strategy has always been applied to Nigerians right from it's inception to it's peak in 1966/1967 when Northerners were goaded to strike Igbos. I really think that those in power have it in their best interest to have us turn on each other while they reap the spoils. External and internal forces know that ethnic bigotry is Nigeria's weakness. Add to this the unfortunate history of Biafran war in the country and you have a nice recipe for disaster in this scenario - they think they know the right buttons to push but no one should let them.

Let us be play smart and unite as country to challenge our leaders as well as the stories that are being fed to us.

Be wise, guys.

I understand the rationale (or theory) behind the removal of the subsidy. However, I read several posts here that calculated what is claimed to be the true cost of fuel (~N45) and I'm a little confused. I want to know how the removal of this subsidy translates to over a 100% increase in the price of fuel.

Honestly the people aren't angry at the subsidy removal. They aren't even really angry that the government is corrupt and Nigerians are suffering - after all the Nigerian government has been corrupt since inception and no one really complained (sad but true).

The REAL contention here is the increase in fuel price that happened in the blink of an eye - which in turn may cause much more corruption and suffering than Nigerians can take.

The government's history of elephant projects and siphoning away of the so called funds set aside for good use, is enough to convince Nigerians that this sacrifice may too be high to bear.

We must know how the books justify the intense spike in fuel price. In addition, if the intention is to "shift" subsidy to other areas how about we get results that we can see immediately? Double the minimum wage, for instance. Anything that can bring immediate relief the the burden of the common man.

I can sort of understand why South Easterners and Niger Deltans are a little quiet about this, but guys know that challenging the government, even if officials have good intentions, is for the betterment of everyone.

We all don't even have to like each other to see reason in this - let us speak up on this issue and demand that 1) Measures be taken to counteract the effect of the subsidy removal immediately, 2) the fuel subsidy be repealed and reintroduced subtly, and with counteracting measures to "even" things out or  3) the removal be repealed in its entirety.

Yes there is a small chance that this removal is for the better, but I have a sinking feeling that it will be for the very worst if these crucial issues are not addressed.

Should this removal backfire, it will severely affect everyone regardless of ethnicity. Please set aside whatever grudges you all may have and work towards a life that is less hellish, at least as far as SS and SE is concerned, if that is all matters.

ezeagu:

If you ask anyone in Igboland what a Northern Igbo is they'll be confused. The stereotype is that people from Anambra, particularly traders, are dominating and patronising.

Hmmm, na wa o. I guess you learn something new everyday

I'm from Awka North LGA, Anambra.

SMH at this thread.

I would like analysis from Cap28, Igbo2011, Morpheaus, etc. Opposing viewpoints, or arguments to dismiss this as hogwash are welcome as well.

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLEDiL2_Lt8&feature=related[/flash]

^^^^ please pay particular attention to 4:00 to 5:00.

I also attached part 1 of the video below for those who wish to watch this interview in entirety:

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEw6WHdstI0&feature=related[/flash]

Interesting thread -

Based on my experiences Ikwerres who tend to hang out a lot with Igbos say they are Igbos, and those who have affinities for other tribes say they aren't.

I think it's best to take individuals as they come and see them for what they identify themselves with.

Some nice looking Guys lol,

Seriously we should be seeing more of these threads. One for Ijaw, another for midwesterners, and another for northern boys.

I didn't really cross paths with him much but I read his posts in my earlier days here and he struck me as one of the smarter people.

I was out of touch with Nairaland for much of last year (taken up with demands of life), so I missed this news.

This is very distressing, but it is well.  .

mukina2:

May your soul continue to rest in peace Bawomolo

Really? It's him?

Wow , RIP.

Did you know him personally?

Sorry about your loss.

^^^

Hahaha.

tpia@:

Thread should be in romance section btw.

Lol I wasn't sure of where to post this, but if the moderator can move this to the appropriate section it would be great.