POLITICS OF FUEL SUBSIDY IN NIGERIA

Fuel subsidy removal is the contemporary policy initiated by the Administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria. This policy gave rise to so many debates, consultations and criticism across the federation, to the extend that even a lay man on a street and a market woman know much about the policy implication and consequences to Nigerians. The speech of President Goodluck Jonathan during inauguration ceremony in Abuja, clearly in tells much about TRANSFORMATION. Up till date the Government has been campaigning much about transformation in various media, the government is not working towards transformation but in a Eurocentric capitalist ideology. In Hausa proverb that says “Independency is preferable to the most benevolent subjugator” clocking to almost a year of president Goodluck Jonathan in power and yet the story is same as in the previous Governments inadequate social amenities, level of insecurity is increasing and majority of people are dying of hunger, misery and despair.
Looking at the politics of fuel subsidy as a comedy Drama between the government and pro-Democracy activist. The president has already done the budget without fuel subsidy, although, consultations and debate is still in progress. The party in support of fuel subsidy removal stated that fuel subsidy is mainly benefiting the petroleum dealers and that if it is removed, social amenities will be provided to Nigerians while on the other hand, pro-democracy activist stated that if fuel subsidy is removed Nigerians will live in a harsh conditions, inflation rate will increase on food items and transportation cost. Fellow Nigerians presently now there are many people who only take 0-0-1, 0-1-0, or 0-1-1 meals per day and talk less of when fuel subsidy is being removed and food items price also increase.
This drama that I call comedy, if drastic actions did not take place, it will turn to tragedy, because the youths will agitate and if the youth agitate, we all know the result. I never pray for that, since consultations is going on and President Goodluck Jonathan has additional three years in power, there is optimism that Nigeria will be transformed positively. I urge the legislature and other statement to consider the scenario we are in now and to make policy that will promote social welfare and justice to Nigeria and Nigerians at large.