• As ASUU, SSANU, Civil Societies Declare Support for NLC as Fuel Subsidy strike Suffers Hitches

A new militant group, Red Egbesu Water Lions, Wednesday emerged declaring its support for the Niger Delta Avengers in the protest against production of oil and gas in the Niger Delta.

The new group said it will work together with the Avengers to ensure that no oil and gas is produced from the region.

The Creek Network Coordinator who described himself as “General” Torunanawei Latei, said the group would also work with the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, to ensure that their demands are met within 7days by the government.

The group called for the release of the IPOD leader, of Nnamdi Kanu and the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki from custody.

The groups also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to give a directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to defreeze the bank accounts of ex-militant leader, Tompolo.
The group said they will shut down oil exploration in the Niger Delta if after seven days, the federal government did not meet its demand.

The group accused the federal government of notoriety for disobedience to court orders.
The group in the statement said, “it is extremely important to note that the engine room of the national interest is the executive obedience to court orders, protection and preservation of citizens’ constitutional liberties. Justification of executive disobedience to court orders as a protection of national interest is abominable.

“This is a deliberate ploy to bend the law and suspend the 1999 Constitution. We ask, does President Muhammadu Buhari have any legal capacity to declare anyone as a criminal? Disobedience to court orders is an act of executive rascality in the country.”

In the meantime, the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) suffered some hitches on the first day as many workers did not take part in the action designed to protest the recent
increase of fuel price from N86.5o to N145 as part of the moves by the federal government to remove the oil subsidy.

But the labour leaders said they will continue to protest until the federal government reverses the fuel hike which according to them has heightened the sufferings of Nigerians.

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, advised government during the protest to return to the old price or be prepared for severe strike that can affect the economy.

According to him, the NLC will continue to protest against policies that have become clearly anti-people, adding that this was for the interest of Nigerian masses.

The NLC has the support of members of the civil societies with the Chairman, Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LACSCO), Dr Dipo Fashina, describing the hike as arbitrary and unjust.

Fashina who said the hike short changes Nigerians was against the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and undermined democracy.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) also supported the NLC with the National President, Comrade Samson Ugwoke, describing the strike as necessary.

Ugwoke who was represented by the Deputy President of SSANU, Comrade Moses Adeniyi-Aogo, said that other unions in the universities, including the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) had observed peaceful solidarity rallies on their campuses.

SSANU said that since it has endorsed Wabba leadership, members would obey any directive from him.

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