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Strike over fuel prices, corruption paralyses Nigeria
Angry youths put up a burning roadblock outside luxury enclaves in Nigeria’s commercial capital Tuesday as a paralyzing national strike over fuel prices and government corruption entered its second day.
The flaming tires and debris sent thick, dark smoke over part of Ikoyi Island, home to diplomats and many of the oil-rich nation's wealthy elite. It also signaled the danger of spiraling violence as protests continue in the country of more than 160 million people. Police shot at least three protesters to death on Monday.
“This is oligarchy, this is not a democracy!” shouted Danjuma Mohammed, as he stood before the fire holding rocks in his hands. “We are no longer afraid of you! We are ready for war!” The strike started Monday by labour unions upset over high fuel prices. Gas prices have risen from $1.70 per gallon (45 cents per litre) to at least $3.50 per gallon (94 cents per litre) since the subsidy on fuel ended on January 1 at the orders of the President’s administration.
Angry youths put up a burning roadblock outside luxury enclaves in Nigeria’s commercial capital Tuesday as a paralyzing national strike over fuel prices and government corruption entered its second day.
The flaming tires and debris sent thick, dark smoke over part of Ikoyi Island, home to diplomats and many of the oil-rich nation's wealthy elite. It also signaled the danger of spiraling violence as protests continue in the country of more than 160 million people. Police shot at least three protesters to death on Monday.
“This is oligarchy, this is not a democracy!” shouted Danjuma Mohammed, as he stood before the fire holding rocks in his hands. “We are no longer afraid of you! We are ready for war!” The strike started Monday by labour unions upset over high fuel prices. Gas prices have risen from $1.70 per gallon (45 cents per litre) to at least $3.50 per gallon (94 cents per litre) since the subsidy on fuel ended on January 1 at the orders of the President’s administration.
