–By Dr Gbe Benjamin Orduen (Chieftain of the People’s Democratic party PDP)
As some Nigerians (exception of me and the majority of Nigerians), well meaning Nigerians anxiously awaited the inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria, little did they know that they would soon find themselves embroiled in a series of unfortunate events. Barely a few days into his tenure, the cries of the Nigerian people are reaching a crescendo, as they grapple with the consequences of an ill-conceived decision: the removal of the oil subsidy.
The removal of the oil subsidy is not in question here; it has been a subject of debate and controversy for years. However, the key issue lies in the hasty implementation of this policy and the lack of adequate measures to mitigate its negative impact on the already fragile economy and the suffering masses. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government should have given serious thought to the consequences before plunging headlong into this ill-fated decision.
Rather than focusing solely on the removal of the subsidy, the government could have taken a more holistic approach by first identifying and addressing the criminal elements within the oil sector who have been siphoning off the country’s meager resources. These unscrupulous individuals have been bleeding the nation dry, while ordinary Nigerians have relied on the subsidy as their only lifeline from the government. It is disheartening to witness the removal of the one benefit that has been a glimmer of hope for the masses.
The timing of this decision is particularly troubling. The Nigerian people have just begun to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many without jobs, pushed businesses to the brink of collapse, and caused immense suffering. Additionally, the recently implemented cashless policy has already put a strain on the citizens, forcing them to adapt to new financial systems and navigate through a maze of complexities. To add the removal of the oil subsidy to this already burdensome situation is a recipe for disaster.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act swiftly to rectify the impending doom that looms over Nigerians. It is imperative that he acknowledges the dire situation at hand and takes immediate measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the subsidy removal. The government should have put in place comprehensive plans and strategies to ensure that the burden does not fall disproportionately on the already struggling masses.
Furthermore, the government must prioritize the welfare of its citizens by channeling its efforts towards identifying and prosecuting the individuals responsible for the economic hemorrhage that has plagued the oil sector. It is high time that those who have profited illicitly at the expense of the Nigerian people face the consequences of their actions.
The removal of the oil subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government was a necessary step towards economic reform. However, the hasty implementation without adequate measures to mitigate its impact has left the Nigerian people reeling. It is now the responsibility of the President to intervene promptly and alleviate the impending doom that threatens to cripple an already suffering nation. The government must prioritize the well-being of its citizens and ensure that their needs are not sacrificed at the altar of economic reform. Nigerians have endured enough hardship; it is time for their voices to be heard and their struggles to be alleviated.
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Last night, when my vehicle’s tank was nearly empty, I purchased fuel from the black market for N800. Considering my daily commute to and from work, I require a minimum of 15 liters of fuel; i.e, at pump price of N537 * 15 =N8055
Black market N800*15 =12,000 (daily cost of going to and from work ) when you multiply these daily figures by 26days (1month) it will be N209,430 and N312,000 respectively. THIS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE AND ABSOLUTELY INSANE.
I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take action and alleviate the suffering of ordinary people. It is worth noting that those advising him can still afford fuel, even if it is sold at 5000 Naira per liter. There is no harm in subsidizing the cost of living for Nigerians. Instead, the President should identify and hold accountable those responsible for the fuel subsidy scam, as they are the ones inflating figures and scamming the government. The consequences of their actions should be borne by them, not the ordinary citizens.
While you worship today in church, I kindly request that you remember to pray for Nigeria and the severely impoverished men and women who are bearing the burden of the fuel subsidy removal. Offer prayers for the underprivileged citizens enduring the consequences of this removal, especially the poor civil servants and laborers who can no longer afford the high transportation costs to reach their workplaces and provide for their families. Pray for the business people who are facing profitability challenges due to the soaring transportation expenses. Additionally, pray for those who may potentially face layoffs from private organizations due to the adverse economic effects caused by this ill-timed subsidy removal.
In Nigeria, where the minimum wage is N30,000, people are now buying fuel at the same price as in countries where the minimum wage is equivalent to N600,000. It is disheartening to witness this careless decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led government, and to think that there is nothing wrong with it.
Gbe Benjamin Orduen (AG-BEN)
Abuja Resident/Fuel price casualty
2/June, 2023, Abuja.
–AD–
