FG Advised Against Oil Subsidy Removal

The Federal Government has been advised to drop the idea of the planned removal of petroleum  subsidy, as it could endanger the fragile peace the nation is enjoying.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Bala Ikara who gave the advice in Abuja argued that removal of fuel subsidy negates the principle of justice, fairness and the fear of God which leaders are expected to offer their people.

Hon. Ikara who was speaking with The Tide noted that Nigerian masses are hungry and needed respite rather than a policy like that removal of subsidy which would worsen their condition, advising that government should treat Nigerian as human beings to avoid possible revolt.

“When there’s no consideration for them, there will be problem here and there. Even the United States Government give subsidy to its citizens. Any cow slaughtered, they give subsidy to it.  In Nigeria, it’s only oil, nothing more. If government goes ahead to remove subsidy, it will be bad” he advised.

Hon. Ikara said “They say, a hungry man is an hungry man, so government should do something about it they should think and re-think. The security situation in the country is fragile, very, very fragile, so government should not provoke Nigerian masses to revolt. Government should, therefore, rescind its decision to remove fuel subsidy. That’s my view”.

Hon. Ikara who represents Ikara/Kubau Federal Constitutency of Kaduna State said the issue of Boko Haram which is causing the nation sleepless nights should be properly investigated saying that they have backers and sponsors.

“The spate of bombings and killings are not being done by Boko Haram. There must be professionals who are responsible for this, so government needs to investigate further and fish them out. Even those that claim responsibility for the blasts, I doubt if they are the real. Government needs to do something urgently about it. That’s my concern”, he declared.

He said the recent crises in parts of his state, Southern Kaduna that claimed some lives is peculiar, nothing that there is a lot of injustices on the part of the state government, adding “I am from Kaduna State, I know the terrain, I know our environment. What will tackle the situation is justice. Everybody there should be given a free hand to do their businesses irrespective of whether they are natives or settlers”.

“When you feel that there are some people who belong to this side and does not belong to the other side, it will turn to something else. Government should intervene and find out who are these responsible for the crises and punish them. Let it not be swept under the carpet”, he advised.

He urged that governors of the states where violence is noticed, like Borno, Plateau, Yobe and Kaduna should be summoned by the president for interrogation, advising that the president should be courageous, honest and transparent in tackling the security challenges.

Hon. Kabau said, inspite of the state of insecurity in the country, Nigerians should not panic but should pray fervently for the nation and her leaders as well as respect the with while being security conscious.