The Northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has not made any comment on the controversial issue of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, saying it had expressed its position long ago.
The forum stated that “ACF had since advised the government to use the outcomes of the consultations and probe by the National Assembly to arrive at an informed decision. As to whether that is what actually happened I cannot tell”.
The ACF in a text message sent to LERADERSHIP through it spokesperson, Mr. Anthony Sani, said: “ACF made its position on subsidy known way back under late President Yar’Adua – that it would be better to make the nation’s four refineries functional as a way of discouraging importation of refined products which brings about the subsidy and outsourcing of employment.”
“When President Jonathan decided to bring back the matter (subsidy removal) on the table for discussions with stakeholders, and the National Assembly decided to probe the saga, ACF advised the government to use the outcomes of the consultations and probe by the National Assembly to arrive at an informed decision. Whether that is what actually happened, I cannot tell.”
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