Subsidy: Group Plans Mass Protest In PH

A civil society orgainsation in Rivers State, the United Action for Democracy (UAD), says it is mobilising its members for a mass protest against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

In a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the group described the policy as inhuman and provocative, especially as 70 percent of Nigerians live below poverty line.

Seventy per cent of Nigerians live below what is considered the poverty line, and 90 percent  live on less than two dollars aday, an increase of this magnitude or whatever magnitude for that matter will spell social and economic doom for the vast majority of Nigerians who are already overburdened by unemployment, poor infrastructure, high cost of living, unaffordable basic social services,” the group said.

The text of the briefing jointly signed by Patrick Naagbanton of the centre for Environment Human Rights and Development, Celestine Akpobari of Ogoni solidarity forum and Ken Henshaw of UAD, who read the text decried the effect of the subsidy on  transportation in the country and stressed the need for its reversed.

Meanwhile, the Civil liberty Organisation,  Rivers State branch says it is not happy with the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal government.

In a statement signed by the chairman, Nigerians should urge the government to reverse the pump price to sixty-five naira.

The CLO also stressed the need for security agencies to desist from harassing the people during the mass protest planned for today by labour.