We won’t revert to N65 – FG insists, Reps disagree

The Federal Government on Wednesday vowed to press ahead with its controversial deregulation policy, saying it would not revert the pump price of fuel from N141 to N65.

The House of Representatives has, however, repeated its demand for the government to restore subsidy on fuel.

Addressing State House reporters at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, accused Labour leaders of creating more pains for Nigerians with the ongoing general strike, mass rallies and public protests over the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan deserved to be praised rather than vilified for removing fuel subsidy.

“Deregulation is not an option arrived at in comfort or happiness. It was reviewed over a year. If Nigerians don’t want us to cripple the future of our children, deregulation is important and must stay.

“If we want the President to succeed, I believe he should be praised for taking this decision rather than being crucified,” Maku said.

The minister said although negotiations were ongoing between government and Labour, there was not going back on deregulation.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House Committee on Labour, Mr. Essien Ekpenyong-Ayi, said in Abuja that it was in the interest of peace for goverment to restore the subsidy.

The government’s hard stance may push the situation out of control, as labour and civil rights groups have threatened to take tougher steps to force the return of subsidy.

The Senate and the House of Representatives had at separate sittings in the past few days advised Jonathan to revert to N65 until the conclusion of negotiations with various stakeholders.

Posted: at 11-01-2012 06:13 PM (12 years ago) | Upcoming

We are not protesting against subsidy removal. We are protesting against Corruption. The issue of subsidy sparked off the protest.....who knows where it will end up....maybe a revolution...Nigerian spring. Good  economic policies is only relevant where the system permits it. Here in Nigeria, Corruption is the bedrock. Every policy  is built on corruption. Creating loop holes for Cabals. The government created those loop holes so they should close them without suffering the already poverty stricken masses.GEJ is not sincere. Governor Rochas used his security votes to finance free Education in Imo state. What has GEJ done to convince us that is is different from others? Which looted fund has he recovered. Imagine paying the family of Boko Haram leader 100 million. How much did he pay to families of victims of boko haram?Do you mean without the removal of subsidy there will not be any meaningful development? THE QUESTION IS .WHY SHOULD WE EXPORT CRUDE OIL TO IMPORT REFINED PRODUCTS. Economic  policy indeed!!! If we do not import fuel who will talk of subsidy? why are our refineries not working? Must we import fuel and why? CORRUPTION.
This govt finished $33BILLION in our foreign reserves in less than 2 years without anything to show for it and they are asking us to give them N1.4TR Through paying more for fuel. How much is N1.4TR in Dollars? Just a lil above $8BILLION. Now, how does a govt that finished $33BILLION on nothing wants us to believe that they will build all the infrastructures that we have ever needed and provide all the jobs all our youths need with just $8BILLION. How many of the thieves that stole the $33BILLION has been arrested? Mr Tony Anenih who got N300BILLION to fix our roads and refused to do so is still Mr President's friend. Alameighsia (difficult spelling) a convicted criminal wines and dines with the presidency always. What changes have they made in the way things are done to show us that this money will be used better this time around? And what economic sense will tell me that 8billion will do what 33BILLION could not do? We say no 2 fuel subsidy removal and bad govt. Solidarity 4eva,strike continues. Pls pass it on

Posted: at 11-01-2012 06:31 PM (12 years ago) | Newbie

The end justifies the means.....

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Posted: at 11-01-2012 07:56 PM (12 years ago) | Hero

GEJ is a good man, but his advisers and untouchable backups are very wicked and heartless....I pity the liverless man

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Posted: at 11-01-2012 10:25 PM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac