Recall that the Nigerian Labor Congress, NLC, had already urged its members to prepare for a one-day strike on January 27, 2022, in response to the anticipated removal of fuel subsidies and the imposition of a tax on soft beverages.

Lawan told State House media during a meeting with President Buhari that legislators were worried about the many protests and agitation now sweeping the country, which prompted conversations with the president.

He said: “Well, it will be of interest to Nigerians to hear what I’ve come to discuss with Mr. President among several other things.

“Many of us are very concerned with the recent agitations, protests, and many citizens were so concerned, our constituents across the country are very concerned that the federal government will remove the petroleum subsidy. And for us, as parliamentarians, as legislators representing the people of Nigeria, this must be of interest to us.

“And we’ve just finished our recess, we had gone home to our constituencies and senatorial districts. And will feel the pulse of our people. And I found it necessary to visit Mr. President, as the leader of our government and our leader in the country, to discuss this particular issue of concern to Nigerians, and I’m happy to inform Nigerians that Mr. President never told anyone that the petroleum subsidy should be removed.”