Yesterday, the Internet was awashed with news of the Federal Government's removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit also known as fuel. This news came as a shocker to Nigerians and as a reason for some group of people (THE WAILING WAILERS) who does not want to move on with their life after the 2015 Presidential elections to justify their support for then President Goodluck Jonathan. Later that same day, the Government through its Minister for State for Petroleum released a statement that seems to not affirm or deny the news of subsidy removal.
Unlike the previous Government where Nigerians came out in mass to protest against subsidy removal, many Nigerians will not protest this one or only a few disgruntled elements who sees everything as politics or attach ethnic coloration to everything will do so. Below are some of the reasons why There would be no protest.
1. DUE CONSULTATIONS: Going by the statement released by the Minister for State for Petroleum Dr. Ibe Kachickukwu, the TUC, NLC and other stakeholders in Nigeria were duly consulted before taking this decision. Forget the threat by NLC they just want to make it look like they 've not failed Nigerians. The question is were they not represented in the meeting? What is their take on Saraki still occupying The Senate Presidency? What is their take on most of our universities on strike etc. Why is it that NLC only knows how to cry when it involves oil?
2. SINCERITY: Even the President's worst enemy knows he means well for Nigeria. They know whatever decision he takes is for the overall good of every Nigerian. Many will ask if the previous Government never meant well for the country? The answer lies on the characters and personalities of the two leaders and their stance on corruption and mismanagement. Many believed the former's Petroleum minister was corruption personified who said she was untouchable while the later is a man of proven integrity who will make judicious use of the proceeds from subsidy removal.
3. TACTFULNESS: Even till this moment, no one can say for sure that Petroleum subsidy has been removed. The government in their wisdom wants to go about it in the best possible ways as not to generate public outcry on the issue. The statement by the Minister proved that. The government knows the implications of removing fuel subsidy and has deviced the best possible ways out of it. Unlike the previous Government who woke up on January 1st when most Nigerians were still returning from Christmas and New year Celebrations and announced fuel subsidy removal.
4. FAITH IN THIS GOVERNMENT: Believe it or not there is an overwhelming belief in this Government. I dare anyone to conduct a sincere public opinion poll on their perception of this Government and you will be shocked on the percentage that will affirm their support for this Government. Forget some of the comments by some nitwits online who does not have grasp of economic issues and present economic woes but do so out of religious or ethnic sentiments that has kept them where they are. Most Prominent Nigerians are sympathetic to this Government this may be connected to their belief that this Government is still in its nascent stage and it's meaningless criticizing it this early.
5. UNCONSTRUCTIVE OPPOSITION: The present opposition in Nigeria are headless, directionless and has no moral right to criticize or call for civil disobedience because it's not in their modus operandi and has failed woefully when they were there. The present opposition led by uncouth, crass and crude Ayodele Fayose only flex their muscles when its religious and ethnic issues. Recently, the one who might have seen the issue as only affecting the South East or Christians just to create chaos in the land is answering to his involvement in money meant for arms purchase that was traced to his account. The other one who claims to be their media aide is busy looking for who to fight in the nearest night club tonight or spreading false news.
DIFFERENTIAL OIL PRICES: In 2012, When the previous administration removed fuel subsidy oil price was on the high side. Global oil market sold for over $90 per barrel as at January of that same year while today oil price is very much below $50. The powers that be made minimal or no significant impact on the lives of Nigerians in the mist of plenty why won't they be able to pay for Petroleum subsidy hence the occupy Nigeria during that time. Today, Sane Nigerians would wonder why they should involve themselves in meaningless protest when the current global oil price is nothing to write home about.
PRINCEWILL CHIMEREZE.
@P_Chimereze
Writer, Public Affairs Analyst and Social Commentator.
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