Social media widens scope of Nigeria fuel protests

[January 14, 2012]  LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) -- As a nationwide strike and demonstrations unleash years of pent-up frustrations in Nigeria over its kleptocratic leaders, the rage burns even hotter across social media.

Twitter users shared pictures of dead protesters while others broke down the oil-rich nation's 2012 budget figures, comparing funds allocated to the president and vice president's offices with the cost of living of the average Nigerian. Hackers have targeted government websites, while others criticize local news coverage of demonstrations in nation where journalists often accept bribes from those they cover.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Africa's most populous nation to protest the government's removal on Jan. 1 of a subsidy that had kept gasoline prices low for more than two decades.

[Associated Press]

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