Removal Of Fuel Subsidy: Weighing Down Nigeria’s Democracy

By

Jummai Musa

 

Fuel subsidy is the money paid by the Federal Government of Nigeria to reduce the cost of refining petroleum products, especially fuel.

         

The Federal Government has for sometime now been selling the idea of fuel subsidy removal to Nigerians; making them to understand how immensely beneficial the removal be to all. The Federal Government particularly points that it is aimed at generating additional revenue that will be used to improve the infrastructure in the country such as roads, schools, hospital,  etc. However, Nigerians are looking at it differently--as an attempt to exploit their meager resources.

         

It is interesting to note that states Governors especially from the Peoples Democratic Party have accepted the subsidy removal. In fact, Governor Suswam of Benue State told newsmen in Abuja that "there is no going back on the plan as it is going to be highly beneficial to Nigerians."

         

Nigeria is the biggest producer of oil in Africa, yet it is revealing that the same fuel that sells for N65 per liter (with payment of subsidy) in Nigeria goes for just N4 to N5 in Venezuela, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Enrique Fernando Arrundell, explains.  Similarly, in Libya, the country condemned recently by many due to Ghaddafi’s undemocratic style of leadership, a liter of fuel goes for just N22.

 

President Goodluck Jonathan recently pronounced that there is nothing Nigeria can do about the removal of fuel subsidy as all arrangements have been put in place to implement it. He stated that the government has slowed down on the implementation just to carry along stakeholders. He pointed out particularly that those standing against the removal are those planning to bring down his administration.

         

The above pronouncement by President Jonathan, to me, is highly undemocratic. We are in a dispensation -- an era when the masses are supposed to be given a say in governmental affairs, unlike military administration where policies are implemented by decrees and dictates.

         

The decision of the government to remove fuel subsidy maybe a conspiracy by the high-class to have more money to embezzle. State Governors support fuel subsidy removal because it will increase their revenue allocation from the Federal Government

         

I don’t think the average Nigerian will agree with the removal of fuel subsidy, especially going by past records of our leaders misappropriating funds meant for the development of the nation. In an ideal democracy, the decision of the National Assembly is usually respected since it represents all Nigerians. With respect to our democracy, however, the National Assembly members are literally bought to endorse the subsidy withdrawal.

         

My candid opinion in this write-up is that since the Federal Government thinks it has reasons to eliminate fuel subsidy, a forum should be created where Nigerians will air their views on the matter. The government can then decide, based on popular views, to cancel or continue oil subsidy.

 

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Jummai Musa

Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri