The forum of former Deputy Governors has urged the organised labour to seek dialogue with the Federal Government, before embarking on an industrial action over the removal of?petrol subsidy.
Speaking on Saturday in Uyo, the Secretary-General of the body, Mr Christopher Ekpeyong, said that the removal of?petrol subsidy would benefit?the common man?in the long run.
“The issue of?petrol subsidy removal is necessary because it is being enjoyed by few Nigerian cabals, who use the money to build palaces within and outside the country, to the detriment of the majority.
?“I think we should give the Federal Government?the benefit of doubt with the belief that the money realised from the subsidy removal will be used to build new refineries, refurbish the old ones and build new roads as promised.
?“The argument of the organised labour is quite understood, but let us see the present pressure and stress occasioned by the subsidy removal as the sacrifice that all Nigerians must pay to bring about the desired change and transformation,”?he added.
Ekpeyong, a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom, described?the position of President Goodluck Jonathan on the issue as?a welcomed development, adding that it allowed for an inter play of forces in the economic development of the country.
“The ordinary man will have fuel in abundance and at a cheaper rate in the long run.
?“We should stop our usual primordial way of argument which aims at supporting the quest for immediate comfort that will only place the country at a standstill and backwardness.
?“We just have to be patient as the government has its plans to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.
?“The President has ordered for the purchase of 1,600 buses to be distributed to recognised transporters across the country,?to convey commuters at cheaper rates,” he said.
He argued that the unemployed youths would get jobs as soon as government began to build refineries and refurbished the old ones, from the money realised from the subsidy.
“Involving in a confrontation or strike action because of the hardship occasioned by the subsidy removal should be given a second thought as government has promised to get things done within 18 to 24 months.
?“Let us subscribe to Mr President’s agenda of having a new Nigeria where everything works like Ghana and other African countries,” he added.
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