Following a series of negotiations over the course of the week, Labour has once again emerged out of another meeting with the Federal Government on the issue of fuel subsidy removal.  According to Labour representatives, the NLC  has rejected the government’s latest offer of N97.

Faced with the looming threat of an oil production shutdown by PENGASSAN, the government seemed anxious to reach a mutually agreable settlement and avert a continuation of the strikes on that so far have been having drastic effects on the economy. While the strike has not been called off however, NLC President Abdulwaheed Omar says street protests will not hold in deference to government concerns about them being hijacked by what they term as opposition elements and hoodlums.

YNaija has confirmed that the Military has been deployed to deter protesters. In one development, it has been reported that they have s dismantled sound  equipment that were used for rallies at Falomo muster point, and cordoned off the area.

Once again, government has failed to come up with a proposal that is acceptable to Labour, a reversion to the former pump price of N65, a condition precedent without which they maintain that further talks cannot be sustained. As it stands now, while the strikes continue, and Labour has directed that its members stay at home and not take to the streets. Before the weekend strike recess however, Civil society groups had already declared that they would continue to organise public demonstrations whether or not the NLC is involved. With the military’s recent involvement, how much can events escalate?

We will continue bring you updates on developments.