By Abdulsalam Muhammad
KANO—What appears to be a rehearsal on what to expect in days to come came alive on Kano streets, yesterday, as hundreds of youths staged a protest over the removal of fuel subsidy.
The peaceful demonstration that lasted several hours in the ancient city saw the youths matching through Sabon Titi, Mandawri, Taludu and in some parts of Gwale in Kano metropolis.
The protesters accused President Goodluck Jonathan of insensitivity on a day they also described the People Democratic Party, PDP-led government as a party lacking the capability to lead the country.
Some of the placards carried by the youths read: No to subsidy removal; Jonathan, you want to kill Nigerians; PDP’s government brings hardship; Jonathan stop deceiving the masses.
Briefing reporters, youth leader, Mr. Muazu Ibrahim, stated that Nigerians were jolted by the sudden action of the Federal Government, pointing out that the gesture was “callous and unacceptable”.
Ibrahim said: “It is worrisome that the 2012 budget on which the government pla
nned the removal of the subsidy was yet to be approved.”
Ibrahim further lamented that the new year gift by the PDP-led government to Nigerians after it secured their mandate “is a clear demonstration of fraud that must be jettisoned by all.”
He called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of necessity, rescind the decision to remove the fuel subsidy or be ready to face the consequence.
Ibrahim said: “We would go further to mobilise like minds across the country for a bigger protest if eventually the government remains adamant.”
However, despite the fact that there were many security agents around, no arrest was made.