Worried by the increasing level of criticism that has trailed the planned removal of subsidy from petroleum products, the national caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday engaged President Goodluck Jonathan, on the need to reconsider his decision.
A source close to the party told LEADERSHIP that the party national caucus expressed reservations and fears that the removal of the subsidy would damage its image, as it is becoming increasingly unpopular.
At an emergency crucial meeting held with the President at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa late yesterday the meeting which was earlier scheduled to hold in House Seven of the Aso Villa but was later moved to the Banquet Hall, was held behind closed doors, details of which remained sketchy at the press time.
The leadership of the PDP was said to have held discussions with the president for several hours on how the removal of fuel subsidy could negatively affect the party’s fortune.
The source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the president however remained adamant, insisting on removing the subsidy.
President Jonathan was said to have assured the party leadership that, “Although the action will cause some level of hardship for Nigerians, but its long term effect will be such that will change the country’s economy for good, all to the credit of the party.”
The source hinted that the president expressed confidence that Nigerians would eventually hail the decision when its benefits begin to show, adding that it is better to witness unpopular policy for a while and then win the hearts of Nigerians on the long run.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had last week, reportedly counselled Jonathan to back down on the removal of fuel subsidy. The former president who is also the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT) also warned the President of the consequences of the subsidy removal.
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