Raising the debate on the planned removal of fuel subsidy and the proposed single-tenure for the President to another level, Nigeria’s main opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Sunday challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to subject the issues to a debate and referendum.
The challenge, contained in a statement by the feisty opposition party, followed the President’s statement that his administration’s ‘opponents’ were misinforming the public on the key issues.
‘Mr. President, if you are convinced, as you said, that Nigerians know the truth and are in support of these policies, and that the ‘opponents’ of your administration have been misinforming the public, then let’s have a robust debate on the issues, especially concerning single-tenure and fuel subsidy. ‘After the debate, which must not be government-sponsored, the issues should be subjected to a referendum, and the outcome accepted by all. This is the way to go, instead of the current style of your administration officials talking down on Nigerians with dubious figures calibrated to twist facts,’ ACN’s spokesman Lai Mohammed said. The party said the President’s recent ‘stout defence’ of the single-tenure proposal had shown that he is not listening to the voice of Nigerians, and that he is indeed fixated on what a few advisers are telling him.
‘Mr. President, Nigerians are suspicious of your single-tenure proposal. It reads as tenure elongation to them. They are wondering why you have made it a key issue at a time the country is yearning for a strong leadership in tackling worsening security problems, revamping dilapidated infrastructure and battling social problems, especially mass unemployment. They think you are getting your priorities wrong,’ the party said. The party said it remained resolute that the removal of fuel subsidy is not the solution to the so-called huge government spending to subsidise petroleum products, noting that the ultimate solution is ending the importation of the products and ensuring domestic refining of oil.
‘Our stand is simple: Governance is about the people. The planned removal of fuel subsidy is a knee-jerk approach typical of this administration. We do not support It because it will have a negative multiplier effect on all facets of life: education, transportation, cost of foodstuffs and the overall standard of living of Nigerians. In other words, it will deepen poverty,’ it said. ACN said the President’s contention that those opposed to the removal of oil subsidy are those with five jeeps is wrong, and indicates the totally wrong approach to the issue by his administration. ‘Mr. President, those who have five to 10 jeeps are not overly worried by the cost of fuel, because they can afford it at any cost. Those most affected are the ordinary Nigerians, who have to contend with the effects of the so-called deregulation on the cost of public transportation, foodstuffs and others,’ the party concluded.