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For struggle, Solidarity and Socialism in Nigeria |
Committee for a Workers' International
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Socialist Democracy November 2004
OCTOBER GENERAL STRIKE: DROP CHARGES AGAINST 39 PROTESTERS
In connection with the last 4-day general warning strike between October 11and 14, called by the Labour-Civil Society Coalition, LASCO, 39 protesters, 6 in Ibadan and 33 in Kaduna are now facing thump-up charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, unlawful procession and incitement. We in Democratic Socialist Movement condemn the unlawful arrest of these protesters in the first place and call on the police to drop the charges against them.
The activists were arraigned before magistrate courts in Kaduna and Ibadan after they had been mercilessly tortured by the police. They were however later granted bail and cases adjourned. The case in Kaduna comes up on November 10 while that of Ibadan is November 15.
Those to face the charges in Ibadan are mostly students. They are Abiodun Akinola, (University of Ibadan, UI), Olanipekun Olaolu (University of Lagos, UNILAG) Ajayi Julius (UNILAG), Alayande Stephen (UI) Ismail Olawale (UI) and Omolade Dennis, a human right activist.
While we commend the effort of individuals and groups that have been already intervening at different levels in this matter, we still call on the labour, civil society groups and public to openly solidarise with the 39 protesters and resist the likely attempt to make them the scapegoats of the popular resistance against the characteristic anti-poor neo-liberal policies of the government.
Socialist Democracy November 2004
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