Soldiers To Remain In Lagos - Federal Government

Federal Government has declared that soldiers would remain deployed in Lagos and other strategic cities in the aftermath of the street demonstrations over the removal of fuel subsidy.

Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, made this disclosure during a media chat on the state of security in the country occasioned by protests, killings and bombings. Mohammed said as a responsive government, the President Goodluck Jonathan administration would not risk withdrawing soldiers from the streets while some aggrieved unleash violence on Nigerians.
 
He explained that government acted following security reports that the initial peaceful and lawful demonstration by the organised labour and civil society groups had been hijacked by people with selfish motive planning to turn into a riotous movement similar to the situation in Syria and Libya.


He, however, commended Nigerians who came out to express their displeasure without violence and arson, adding that it had to be stopped because of security reports against those with ulterior motives.

“While reiterating Mr. President’s pledge in his broadcast that government will continue to respect the people’s right to express themselves within the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our democratic space, let me emphasise that under no circumstances will the government stand aloof while some misguided elements unleash violence on the Nigerian society,” he said.

He added: “The Goodluck Jonathan administration is irrevocably committed to promoting the greatest number of Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation. “We must make sure that the intention of those threatening to unleash violence on the collective peace of Nigerians materialise and we must not entertain such risk of withdrawing the soldiers from the streets (of Lagos) until the situation stabilises."

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