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Sins Of The Fathers (II) …How Nigerians View Subsidy Removal
Last week Monday, on My Agony, we looked at a scenario where medical surgeon waited in vain to secure approval for the medical amputation of a leprous foot, by a next of kin, until both feet got infected, resulting in the death of the patient.
We also looked at other variables, if the surgeon himself was the next of kin to the dying diabetes patient, and did not require an approval to save his sibling’s life. We figured also that President Goodluck Jonathan, by his populist election, equates the next of kin to Nigeria, and would naturally be the first to blame should the nation’s economy collapse under his watch.
Was the President right to act before death of the patient or merely sulk about the pain his dying brother and other siblings would bear before or after death, if he be made to shed tears in the hands of female nurses?
Then I opened my mail box and shared with readers views of Nigerians on whether or not removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol was necessary or not, timely or not, or beneficiary or not.
Today, we continue from where we stopped.
Hon Joseph Sodienye, ACN liaison officer, South South:
As an accountant by profession and member of the Nigerian Economic Society, I have to say that people should not dehumanize the government of President Goodluck Jonathan even though the removal of fuel subsidy should have been phased out gradually.
Fuel subsidy removal will help for the provision of jobs for the teeming youths across the country, health-care services, road infrastructure, potable water and electricity. It will also help to reactivate the four refineries at Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt to full capacity utilization.
Another area where the Federal Government should improve the nation’s economy is to embark on massive agricultural projects since the international oil market is so uncertain and volatile.
The Nigeria Railway Corporation can also be rehabilitated to support the Mass Transit Scheme recently launched by Mr President. This will definitely enhance the movement of petroleum products, agricultural produce as well as other heavy duty goods from one part of the country to another.
I congratulate President Jonathan and leaders of both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress for amicably resolving the fuel subsidy crisis. The suspension of the nation-wide strike will alleviate the sufferings of the masses and prevent further loss of revenue to the nation.
Hon Bright Tamuno Gogo, member, House of Reps:
The removal of subsidy on petrol is a very good executive initiative because it would enhance resuscitation of the country’s four ailing refineries.
President Goodluck Jonathan deserves commendation for the courage to confront the problem of subsidy headlong rather than play to the gallery, look the other way and leave office four years later as rich as others before him.
The Federal Government’s decision to deregulate the downstream sector, I’ll like to repeat, is indeed, in the interest of the nation and should be viewed by all as such.
We have the crude oil, people are taking this crude out and bringing it back in the form of petrol and all the rest. Landing charges are so high, the importers claim. Landing where? In Nigeria! We are talking of payment of demurrage while the state of all our refineries is bad. You see, there’s a lot of negative human factors in this subsidy issue and until you remove it (completely), our refineries will not work, because marketers are making so much gain from importation of petroleum products.
“Just imagine that between January and December, last year, N1.3 trillion was spent on subsidy. Who is responsible? If we plough back this N1.3 trillion into the economy, can you imagine the effect it will have? But all these go into very few hands who would not re-invest by building private refineries. So, why don’t we stop the subsidy and put the proceeds into other needs like making the refineries work, since the money required to repair the refineries is what is used to import petroleum products at subsidized rate.
Nelson Chukwudi, a journalist:
Hi All, I expect all of us to accept President Jonathan’s announcement of reduction in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) to N97 per litre. My problem here is that with the reduction, it means the government’s regulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry stands and this means Foreign Direct Investment in the refining and petrochemical sub-sectors can’t come in, the much-needed jobs for our teeming youth would wait while economic development and recovery of the industrial sector will continue to slow down.
Whether we like it or not, the oil industry drives our economy, and if the downstream sector is not deregulated now to create window for private investors in the refining and petrochemical sub-sectors, our economy will very soon crumble on the weight of huge population of over 167million people, burdened by crass unemployment, rising insecurity and criminality, glaring poverty, increasing health consequences, high level of illiteracy and ignorance. A nation unwilling to suffer temporary hardship in order to do away with these challenges faces imminent catastrophe. I hope we don’t lead our nation to that preventable precipice. We need to be competitive as a nation in our areas of comparative advantage. We need to support Jonathan to save this country.
Oronto Douglas, special adviser to Mr President:
?I am personally hopeful that with the support of God Almighty and the boldness and the never-give-up spirit of the Nigerian, this challenge will pass.
Muyiwa Akintunde, public affairs commentator:
I have been an advocate of a reversal of PMS pump price to N65/litre. But in the prevailing circumstances, my view is that labour has taken the right decision. If labour or civil society groups had pushed the mass protests/strike further, they would have been faced with an embarrassing situation where the crowds at the rallies would be thinning out. What to do now is to ensure that the gains of the week-long struggle are consolidated.
Civil society must ensure that the probe of the downstream sector is closely monitored and seen through, and wastages in the public sector drastically blocked while we devise a strategy of ensuring that we hold our elected officials at all levels – from your councillor to the president – accountable for every kobo of the public spent. It’s victory for the people after all. Who would have imagined that even a symbolic gesture will be made to probe the corruption in the petroleum sector? It’s a new day in Nigeria but we must not rest on our oars.
Soni Irabor, seasoned journalist:
Government has spoken and taken a position by pegging PMS pump price at N97, promising to fight corruption head-on. Labour still insists on N65. Government insists that the nation’s security is at risk and that labour should reconsider its position. Labour adopts a sit-at-home strike without public protest. Nigeria is suffering economically. Shouldn’t we sheath our sword? Let’s begin to listen to our inner voice of reason. What do you think?
Muhammed Umar, Abuja-based businessman:
I think the security situation in the country is enough reason for immediate resolution of this dispute. Government has shifted ground, labour should as well have a rethink, because it is now a fact that all the stakeholders have agreed on subsidy removal, it is just the modalities and trust that is the issue now. We should know that Nigeria’s problem did not start from the current government.
Kamen Chuks O
Personally, I support the fuel subsidy removal, and I think labour should have a rethink in the interest of Nigerians.
Chukwumemeka Iwunna
On this subsidy issue, I quite agree with you totally. Reason must prevail at this time for the sake of our children.
Peter Nwoji, a public servant:
I think we should partner with government on this fuel subsidy issue for the good of Nigerians. We can hit the streets when after 3 or 6 months, we do not see any sign of progress. Call me then, and I will lead the Occupy Aso Rock match.
Tony Nwabueze, Abuja-based entrepreneur:
I was lucky to buy fuel at N141 from Obat filling station along Wuse market just after the church service on Sunday, January 15. Right now I am on my way to work; I am tired of staying at home. Think of it, if 9ija was NLC’s private business, would they shut down their biz for 6 days inconsiderate of how much they are losing. Since the Federal Government has come down to N97 per litre, that means there is progress. Labour should call off the strike; people should go back to work while deliberations continue with FG and NLC. Asking Nigerians to continue strike by staying at home is a wrong decision. Just like me, a lot of us are fade up staying at home. NLC has misfired. I am not a party to pulling down my own dear country’s economy, and so I plead with my fellow good citizens to please go back to work and make things come back to normal. Jonathan means well for us all.
Oluwasegun Belo-Osagie
My position is that government has never been known to be sincere. Yes, sheath our swords? It is the cheapest way to go in the short run. But I pray it is not an evil day postponed.
Tokunbo Olukilede
Well a Yoruba proverb says (eni aba le mu Olorun Oba ni ki a fi le lowo). Let us wait and see if it is true they are wiser than God Almighty. If what they are planning for us is real, it is okay, but if not, all those who have shared in the subsidy money both Federal Government and labour leaders, will cry for help and nobody will save them because the battle is from God. Firstly, between now and June, the way forward must be found.
Emmanuel Onuoha
Price of oil is not the main issue but the cartel who believe they should dictate how our gifted country should be run are the ones putting the fire. Enough is enough. It is high time President Jonathan come out openly and deal with this group squarely.
My Agony is that some Nigerians are hanging the sins of our fathers on the present leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan. This is unjust and unfair! President Jonathan truly means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. The petrol subsidy removal option was and still remains the most potent instrument for reviving our economy, and pushing the development process of this country to the next level. It is even the most decisive tool for fighting corruption which is the bane of our economy. Let’s give him and his team a chance to effect the change so desperately desire.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.