Police in Lagos State yesterday provided biscuits and water to protesters as they assembled to express their dissatisfaction with the prevailing hunger and hardship in the country, as well as alleged federal government’s failure to fulfill agreements made with labour last October 2, following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The snacks, which were shared to the protesting crowd by police operatives escorting them, were said to have been provided by the Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, in solidarity with the protesters.
The police boss and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held a meeting where parties committed to ensuring a peaceful and harassment free protest.
The commissioner had warned security operatives deployed for the exercise to ensure that they respected the rights of the protesters and at the same time, should be firm in the discharge of their duties.
As the protesters marched to Alausa, policemen who were in a van drove round, sharing water and biscuits to them.
Pleased by the act of kindness, the cheering crowd chanted “up Nigeria Police”.
The placard bearing protesters converged on Ikeja Underbridge as early as 7am singing and dancing as they marched across the streets.
Some of the inscriptions on their placards read: “End Hunger and Poverty Now! Stop the Looting! Tax the Rich, Subsidise the Poor…”
The protest is expected to continue on Wednesday, February 28.
