Federal Government Withdraws Soldiers From Lagos

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.