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“Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.”

― Dave Pelzer, A Child Called "It"

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Livingstone Mukasa and Christopher Mukasa of Archability(@archability) launches Archability in the DEMO Focus: Cloud Technologies category during DEMO Spring 2012, the Launchpad for Emerging Technologies, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California Wednesday April 18, 2012. For more info on Archability bit.ly/archability DEMO is sponsored by AARP, Dynamics, Fusion-io, Microsoft BizSpark, Startup America Partnership, Porter Novelli and PlugandPlayTechCenter.com.

 

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Shakari bazar,Old town,dhaka,Bangladesh

 

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Sage Panelists Josh Elman, Principal at Greylock Partners, Tracey Isacke, Director of Investments & Business Development at Telefonica Digital, Jason Medelson, Managing Director at the Foundry Group discuss the Social Category with moderator Jolie O'Dell, Writer at VentureBeat during DEMO Fall 2012, the Launchpad for Emerging Technologies and Trends, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California on Wednesday October 3, 2012. Executive Producer, DEMO

Complete coverage of DEMO can be found at at DemoBeat bit.ly/venBdemoB

 

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Sage Panel for DEMO Social & Media

Jeff Clavier, Managing Partner, SoftTech VC

Christine Herron, Director, Intel Capital

Harshul Sanghi, Managing Partner, American Express Ventures, Enterprise Growth, American Express

Nirav Tolia, Co-Founder and CEO, Nextdoor.com

Moderated by: Jolie O'Dell, Writer, VentureBeat

 

DEMO Spring 2012, the Launchpad for Emerging Technologies, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California Monday April 16, 2012. DEMO is sponsored by AARP, Dynamics, Fusion-io, Microsoft BizSpark, Startup America Partnership, Porter Novelli and PlugandPlayTechCenter.com.

 

For more information: bit.ly/DEMO2012

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Palestinians hold second angry protest at Israeli embassy - 17.11.2012

 

Around 1,000 Palestinians held their second large protest in two days outside the Israeli embassy in London in response to the ongoing bombing campaign being waged by the Israeli Defence Force using drones, F16's and warships on the almost completely defenceless Gaza Strip, described by many as the largest open-air prison in the world. The Israelis have mobilised 75,000 army reservists and are amassing this huge force on the borders of Gaza for a seven-week ground invasion using the codename 'Operation Pillar of Cloud', which is undoubtedly going to result in the deaths of many hundreds of captive Palestinians who are already denied medical supplies by the Israelis.

 

Though claiming that their strikes are "Precision-targeted at Hamas military positions and avoid unneccessary civilian deaths", when Israel last invaded Gaza in 2008 during Operation cast Lead the IDF (Israel Defence Force) subjected the civilian population to phosphorous bombs, chemical weapons, depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs - all illegal under international law. This was done with only 10,000 reservists over a two week period and resulted in 1,471 deaths and thousands of injured. Nobody can even guess how many will die this time, and human rights organisations including the International Red Cross and Amnesty International have called for the Israeli government to stop this latest attack on Gaza.

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

Standard NUJ rates apply.

 

about.me/peteriches

Palestinians hold second angry protest at Israeli embassy - 17.11.2012

 

Around 1,000 Palestinians held their second large protest in two days outside the Israeli embassy in London in response to the ongoing bombing campaign being waged by the Israeli Defence Force using drones, F16's and warships on the almost completely defenceless Gaza Strip, described by many as the largest open-air prison in the world. The Israelis have mobilised 75,000 army reservists and are amassing this huge force on the borders of Gaza for a seven-week ground invasion using the codename 'Operation Pillar of Cloud', which is undoubtedly going to result in the deaths of many hundreds of captive Palestinians who are already denied medical supplies by the Israelis.

 

Though claiming that their strikes are "Precision-targeted at Hamas military positions and avoid unneccessary civilian deaths", when Israel last invaded Gaza in 2008 during Operation cast Lead the IDF (Israel Defence Force) subjected the civilian population to phosphorous bombs, chemical weapons, depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs - all illegal under international law. This was done with only 10,000 reservists over a two week period and resulted in 1,471 deaths and thousands of injured. Nobody can even guess how many will die this time, and human rights organisations including the International Red Cross and Amnesty International have called for the Israeli government to stop this latest attack on Gaza.

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

Standard NUJ rates apply.

 

about.me/peteriches

Palestinians hold second angry protest at Israeli embassy - 17.11.2012

 

Around 1,000 Palestinians held their second large protest in two days outside the Israeli embassy in London in response to the ongoing bombing campaign being waged by the Israeli Defence Force using drones, F16's and warships on the almost completely defenceless Gaza Strip, described by many as the largest open-air prison in the world. The Israelis have mobilised 75,000 army reservists and are amassing this huge force on the borders of Gaza for a seven-week ground invasion using the codename 'Operation Pillar of Cloud', which is undoubtedly going to result in the deaths of many hundreds of captive Palestinians who are already denied medical supplies by the Israelis.

 

Though claiming that their strikes are "Precision-targeted at Hamas military positions and avoid unneccessary civilian deaths", when Israel last invaded Gaza in 2008 during Operation cast Lead the IDF (Israel Defence Force) subjected the civilian population to phosphorous bombs, chemical weapons, depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs - all illegal under international law. This was done with only 10,000 reservists over a two week period and resulted in 1,471 deaths and thousands of injured. Nobody can even guess how many will die this time, and human rights organisations including the International Red Cross and Amnesty International have called for the Israeli government to stop this latest attack on Gaza.

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

Standard NUJ rates apply.

 

about.me/peteriches

Around a thousand Pro-Palestinian supporters were joined this afternoon by the Stop the War Coalition, Anonymous and Rabbis from anti-Zionism group Naturei Carta, as they gathered outside the Israeli embassy on London's Kensington High Street in a hastily-called emergency protest following Israel's recent assassaination of senior Hamas commander Ahmed Said Khalil al-Jabari, which has been followed by an air and sea bombardment on the Gaza Strip.

 

It was announced this evening that following two days of sustained bombing of what are allegedly "terrorist targets", and which have already indiscriminately killed many civilians and children, Israeli IDF forces are preparing to make a ground assault on Gaza in what the Israeli military has christened "Operation Pillar of Defense", which brings to mind the brutality of "Operation Cast Lead" in 2008 which left much of the Gaza strip completely destroyed. Many commentators claim that the Israeli attacks on Gaza have been solely to bolster up the current Netanyahu government ahead of the leadership elections early in 2013. though Palestinian Katushya rocket attacks by the Islamists have been cited as justification for the heavy-handed and unbalanced attack on the largely defenceless Gazans.

 

There was a smaller (but equally spirited) counter demonstration further along the pavement by supporters of Israel.

 

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

Standard NUJ rates apply.

 

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

 

Pat Byrnes, Co-founder and CEO of Iconicast, explaining their cool new service called "Smurks", designed to put some soul into our online conversations. 93% of our communications is non-verbal, which kind of gets lost online. This tool enables you to quickly make an emoticon that describes how you feel. People can go beyond a thumbs up or 5-star rating system, and actually add some extra dimensions to their sentiment, which can then be analyzed in aggregate. Also helps autistic kids unlock their emotions when words can't do the job.

 

smurks.net/

 

"A fantastic app that allows you to demonstrate how you're feeling, even if you don't have the words to describe it. Very easy to use and fun!" - Sarah W, Teacher

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

SoftTech VC Managing Partner Jeff Clavier, Intel Capital Director Christine Herron, American Express Ventures Managing Partner Harshul Sanghi, Co-Founder and CEO of Nextdoor.com Nirav Tolia.

Moderated by Jolie O'Dell, writer, VentureBeat.

DEMO Focus: Social and Media Technologies category during DEMO Spring 2012, the Launchpad for Emerging Technologies, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California Thursday April 19, 2012. DEMO is sponsored by AARP, Dynamics, Fusion-io, Microsoft BizSpark, Startup America Partnership, Porter Novelli and PlugandPlayTechCenter.com.

 

For more information: bit.ly/DEMO2012

Find more pictures: bit.ly/DEMOflickr

Follow us on Twitter: bit.ly/DEMOTwitter

Hashtags:

Like us on Facebook: on.fb.me/DEMOFacebook

Google+: bit.ly/DEMOGooglePlus

LinkedIn: linkd.in/LinkedinDEMO

 

Social Media presented by New Media Synergy: www.newmediasynergy.com

Photos by Stephen Brashear: www.stephenbrashear.com

Palestinians hold second angry protest at Israeli embassy - 17.11.2012

 

Around 1,000 Palestinians held their second large protest in two days outside the Israeli embassy in London in response to the ongoing bombing campaign being waged by the Israeli Defence Force using drones, F16's and warships on the almost completely defenceless Gaza Strip, described by many as the largest open-air prison in the world. The Israelis have mobilised 75,000 army reservists and are amassing this huge force on the borders of Gaza for a seven-week ground invasion using the codename 'Operation Pillar of Cloud', which is undoubtedly going to result in the deaths of many hundreds of captive Palestinians who are already denied medical supplies by the Israelis.

 

Though claiming that their strikes are "Precision-targeted at Hamas military positions and avoid unneccessary civilian deaths", when Israel last invaded Gaza in 2008 during Operation cast Lead the IDF (Israel Defence Force) subjected the civilian population to phosphorous bombs, chemical weapons, depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs - all illegal under international law. This was done with only 10,000 reservists over a two week period and resulted in 1,471 deaths and thousands of injured. Nobody can even guess how many will die this time, and human rights organisations including the International Red Cross and Amnesty International have called for the Israeli government to stop this latest attack on Gaza.

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

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about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

this photo has taken from Fulbaria in Bogra at 7 am (early winter morning) in 11th December 12.His name is Abul Kasem. He is around 30 years old & he is a potato fermar.

    

*MUST View in BLACK.... Prees L for view in Black.

                

Pay a visit to my:Facebook|| 500px

    

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For permission, mail me at: imran1841991@gmail.com

     

Palestinians hold second angry protest at Israeli embassy - 17.11.2012

 

Around 1,000 Palestinians held their second large protest in two days outside the Israeli embassy in London in response to the ongoing bombing campaign being waged by the Israeli Defence Force using drones, F16's and warships on the almost completely defenceless Gaza Strip, described by many as the largest open-air prison in the world. The Israelis have mobilised 75,000 army reservists and are amassing this huge force on the borders of Gaza for a seven-week ground invasion using the codename 'Operation Pillar of Cloud', which is undoubtedly going to result in the deaths of many hundreds of captive Palestinians who are already denied medical supplies by the Israelis.

 

Though claiming that their strikes are "Precision-targeted at Hamas military positions and avoid unneccessary civilian deaths", when Israel last invaded Gaza in 2008 during Operation cast Lead the IDF (Israel Defence Force) subjected the civilian population to phosphorous bombs, chemical weapons, depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs - all illegal under international law. This was done with only 10,000 reservists over a two week period and resulted in 1,471 deaths and thousands of injured. Nobody can even guess how many will die this time, and human rights organisations including the International Red Cross and Amnesty International have called for the Israeli government to stop this latest attack on Gaza.

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

Standard NUJ rates apply.

 

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Palestinians hold second angry protest at Israeli embassy - 17.11.2012

 

Around 1,000 Palestinians held their second large protest in two days outside the Israeli embassy in London in response to the ongoing bombing campaign being waged by the Israeli Defence Force using drones, F16's and warships on the almost completely defenceless Gaza Strip, described by many as the largest open-air prison in the world. The Israelis have mobilised 75,000 army reservists and are amassing this huge force on the borders of Gaza for a seven-week ground invasion using the codename 'Operation Pillar of Cloud', which is undoubtedly going to result in the deaths of many hundreds of captive Palestinians who are already denied medical supplies by the Israelis.

 

Though claiming that their strikes are "Precision-targeted at Hamas military positions and avoid unneccessary civilian deaths", when Israel last invaded Gaza in 2008 during Operation cast Lead the IDF (Israel Defence Force) subjected the civilian population to phosphorous bombs, chemical weapons, depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs - all illegal under international law. This was done with only 10,000 reservists over a two week period and resulted in 1,471 deaths and thousands of injured. Nobody can even guess how many will die this time, and human rights organisations including the International Red Cross and Amnesty International have called for the Israeli government to stop this latest attack on Gaza.

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

Standard NUJ rates apply.

 

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

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Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012

 

Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

 

Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.

 

The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.

 

Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".

 

Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.

 

The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.

 

Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.

 

The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".

 

Media Contact and General Query:

Nicholas: +447436296907

Charles: +447436307574

Aminu: +447852171675

And +447438348346

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.

about.me/peteriches

Palestinians hold second angry protest at Israeli embassy - 17.11.2012

 

Around 1,000 Palestinians held their second large protest in two days outside the Israeli embassy in London in response to the ongoing bombing campaign being waged by the Israeli Defence Force using drones, F16's and warships on the almost completely defenceless Gaza Strip, described by many as the largest open-air prison in the world. The Israelis have mobilised 75,000 army reservists and are amassing this huge force on the borders of Gaza for a seven-week ground invasion using the codename 'Operation Pillar of Cloud', which is undoubtedly going to result in the deaths of many hundreds of captive Palestinians who are already denied medical supplies by the Israelis.

 

Though claiming that their strikes are "Precision-targeted at Hamas military positions and avoid unneccessary civilian deaths", when Israel last invaded Gaza in 2008 during Operation cast Lead the IDF (Israel Defence Force) subjected the civilian population to phosphorous bombs, chemical weapons, depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs - all illegal under international law. This was done with only 10,000 reservists over a two week period and resulted in 1,471 deaths and thousands of injured. Nobody can even guess how many will die this time, and human rights organisations including the International Red Cross and Amnesty International have called for the Israeli government to stop this latest attack on Gaza.

  

All photos © 2012 Pete Riches

Do not reproduce, alter, re-transmit or reblog my images without my written permission.

Hi-Res, un-watermarked versions of these files are available on application solely at my discretion

 

Media buyers can purchase images from this story from Demotix/Corbis directly.

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