Youths in Kebbi State, under the umbrella of Network of Civil Society, have staged a peaceful protest and demonstration against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. The protesters started converging at Haliru Abdu Stadium by 10:am carrying placards, chanting slogans and songs against the Federal Government.
The protesters grew in number as they marched through the streets shouting and carrying placards under the watchful eyes of armed mobile police men.
They marched through the streets of Birnin Kebbi in? their hundreds to the Palace of the Emir of Gwandu and Government House.
At the Palace, the crowd was addressed by Wazirin Gwandu Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, who told the gathering that Gwandu Emirate is solidly behind people and any responsible leader should listen to the yearnings and aspiration of his people even as he urged the protesting youths to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
Besieging the Government House, the youths were blocked by security men from having access to the main entrance, but staged their protest at the outside entrance.
The noise of the youths attracted the attention of Governor Usman Dakingari who came out to address them. The governor in a brief statement to the crowd said “the government of Kebbi State is fully aware of the plight of the people”.
The governor further disclosed that he was presently meeting with his cabinet, traditional and religious leaders on issues that concern the welfare of people.
Earlier on at the stadium, people registered their names against the removal of fuel subsidy.
Organizers of the protest told the crowd that the mass gathering became necessary in order to send strong signal to the Federal Government that people of Kebbi State, like their counterparts in other States, would resist the removal of fuel subsidy and also to protest against the harsh policies of President Goodluck Jonathan.