Soldiers to remain in Lagos - Minister

Soldiers and military officers who were deployed by the Federal Government to help stifle the protest that followed the recent fuel subsidy removal still remained at some strategic parts of Lagos State in spite of the criticism and calls from various quarters, including the governor, Babatunde Fashola, for them to leave.When the Nigerian Tribune visited the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota, which was the focal point of the protests, at around 12 noon on Tuesday, a group of military men and at least one armoured vehicle were still seen waiting.Another part of Lagos where the presence of military personnel was still heavy at the time of writing this report was Ojuelegba.At the Ojota area of the state, a group of about eight police officers was seen sitting right in the middle of a place that, just a couple of days ago, hosted a record mammoth crowd of protesters, among whom were many human rights crusaders, as well as a wide array of Nigerian entertainment stars.Not deterred by the heavy presence of soldiers on Lagos roads, the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), led by Pastor Bakare, said on Tuesday that it would hold its victory rally on Saturday at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.Also, the group has concluded arrangements to draft the Federal Government and its agencies to court over the deployment of soldiers on the state roads, describing the government's action as an infringment on people's constitutional rights.Briefing newsmen, Bakare said 'the violent violation of our rights to peaceful protests by the Federal Government, through the deployment of troops and tanks to the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota on Monday, January 16, 2012. This is totally uncalled for.
Click here to read full news..