The Federal Government on Tuesday withdrew soldiers from the streets
of Lagos, after a controversial deployment lasting more than one week.
The soldiers had been deployed in places like the Gani Fawehinmi
Freedom Park, Ojota, Jibowu bus-stop; Agege; Ketu and some other parts
of the state on January 16, 2012, to thwart further protests against the
removal of fuel subsidy.
They were stationed in a menacing manner, with guns pointing from tanks at oncoming vehicles.
Their deployment ruffled feathers, with many eminent Nigerians calling for their withdrawal.
After the Minister of Defence, Bello Mohammed, had confirmed that
they were deployed by the Federal Government and would stay for a long
time, the Defence Headquarters said they were on the streets at the
instacne of the state government.
Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, swiftly denied the
allegation, saying the Federal Government should show proof of such a
request.
On Thursday, protesters who attempted to march to the Gani Fawehinmi
Freedom Park were dispersed by a team of policemen led by Assistant
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Sobulo.
The police fired several canisters of teargas at the crowd, which
included a former Minister of Education, Prof. Ben Nwabueze; and human
rights lawyer, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite.
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