The glaring call by the 36 states governors for the full withdrawal of oil subsidy has been described as a selfish interest without considering the fate of majority of Nigerians. ?
The Chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP),? Bauchi Sate,? Alhaji Abdullahi Idris, made this remark? in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
He said the decision of the federal government to withdraw oil subsidy was uncalled for as such decision? was not the wish or interest of majority of Nigerians.
?He described the decision of the 36 state governors to back the idea as a selfish one aimed at satisfying their interest, without considering the fate of Nigerians.
“They are claiming that only few people are enjoying the subsidy, who are those people?? The governors are selfish for backing the idea without considering the fate of the masses.
They should tell us what ordinary Nigerian is benefitting from the government. Is it the 60 students who are jam-packed in one room or the government’s? failure to provide a cure for common malaria, or the rampant insecurity cases in the country where nobody is safe even in mosque, church or banks?” he queried.
The CNPP chairman called on the federal government to shelve the idea of withdrawing the oil subsidy and instead revive the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) policy by channeling the funds to work for the people of the country as was the case during the regime of Late Gen Sani Abacha. He also urged the members of the National Assembly to reject the idea for the good interest of Nigerians.
?“If the government insist on withdrawing the oil subsidy, is left for Nigerians to protest because only God knows what will happen? as people presently find it difficult to have three meals a day. EFFC is? pretending to be fighting corruption by arresting former governors that are not in good terms with government.
People are still looting public funds, there are others that are worst than those arrested. What happen to the allegations made against Obasanjo on power projects? and that of? Atiku on privatization?” he added.
Alhaji Idris pointed out that there was need for the federal government to change its attitude towards providing basic needs of the people instead of creating hardship to majority of Nigerians through withdrawing the oil subsidy.