By Ishaya Ibrahim
Nigerians who came out to protest hunger nationwide were shocked to receive bottled water and biscuits as against horse whip and teargas which has been the trademark of the force in handling protests.
The officers sharing the items were also polite and friendly as the protesters jostled to get their share.
The behavior of the police was a sharp contrast to how they handled the #EndSARS protesters. During the #EndSARS protest, some protesters were killed by the officers who were supposed to defend them.
Nigerians started a two-day protest today against hunger across the country. The protest was called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). It was to demand that the government take action in reversing the hardship faced in the country.
In Lagos, the NLC commenced the nationwide protest in the Computer village area of Ikeja. The protest attracted members of the organized labour, activists, artisans and other groups.
The protest later caused heavy traffic as commuters had difficulties navigating through crowded roads.
In Abuja, President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero led the marchers from the Labour House in the Federal Capital Territory.
Activists, including publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore and political activists, Deji Adeyanju, were among the leading protesters at the federal capital.
In Kaduna, the protesters assembled at the NLC office in the metropolis with a phalanx of police officers stationed to keep troublemakers at bay.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress on February 8, issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government over the failure to implement an agreement reached on October 2, following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The agreement includes; mass importation of CNG buses, upward review of minimum wage, local production of refined petroleum, among others.