Fuel Subsidy Removal: To Our Vomit, We Have Returned
FUEL SUBSIDY: TO OUR VOMIT, WE HAVE RETURNED
On January 1, 2012, that is FIFTY-TWO MONTHS AND TEN DAYS ago, a certain Goodluck Jonathan, having the misfortune of being president of this geographical contraption called Nigeria, removed subsidy on premium motor spirit and the country went into turmoil and conflagration, literally.
Today, a certain Mohammadu Buhari, the man who inherited the misfortune, after dilly-dallying for months has done same. After months of pain, anguish and billions lost to social and economic dislocation, the president has done the RIGHT thing.
The difference, however, is that while the nation was brought to her knees in 2012, she won't this time. There won't be a total shutdown of the country. NLC won't call for strike. Human and civil rights activists won't occupy Ojota. Pastor Tunde Bakare is not likely to lead any protest. In short, Nigerians will gladly accept.
Let me say this: I support removal of fuel subsidy. Fully. But why should we allow naked politics to make us waste FOUR years in the nation's economic life? Why did we oppose this thing then when many of those who opposed it knew it was the right thing to do? Can those who congregated in Ojota in 2012 cover their faces in shame? If they support subsidy now, can they justify opposition to it in 2012? Are we aware that fuel could have been selling as low as N50 per litre now? Are we aware that the N145 limit set now by NNPC was the same that was set in 2012?
I can go on. Those who led opposition against removal of subsidy in 2012; a president who once said he did not believe there was anything called subsidy, politicians who capitalised on it four years ago will be justifying it in the days to come. Same Facebook activists who raked against it will be explaining to us why it was the best thing to do. Truly, they are right. But at what cost to this nation?
I am afraid. This nation might never be great again. I am not placing a curse but plainly being realistic!.
- Samuel Ajayi-
I am going to replace the word "might" with "will"
This country Nigeria, as it is presently constituted, with the attitude of our people, the ease with which we swallow propaganda, our penchant for celebrating mediocrity, our fraternity with religious bigotry and tribal jingoism.
It is just apt to conclude that the country will never be great,
- Aboki, may 2016-
On January 1, 2012, that is FIFTY-TWO MONTHS AND TEN DAYS ago, a certain Goodluck Jonathan, having the misfortune of being president of this geographical contraption called Nigeria, removed subsidy on premium motor spirit and the country went into turmoil and conflagration, literally.
Today, a certain Mohammadu Buhari, the man who inherited the misfortune, after dilly-dallying for months has done same. After months of pain, anguish and billions lost to social and economic dislocation, the president has done the RIGHT thing.
The difference, however, is that while the nation was brought to her knees in 2012, she won't this time. There won't be a total shutdown of the country. NLC won't call for strike. Human and civil rights activists won't occupy Ojota. Pastor Tunde Bakare is not likely to lead any protest. In short, Nigerians will gladly accept.
Let me say this: I support removal of fuel subsidy. Fully. But why should we allow naked politics to make us waste FOUR years in the nation's economic life? Why did we oppose this thing then when many of those who opposed it knew it was the right thing to do? Can those who congregated in Ojota in 2012 cover their faces in shame? If they support subsidy now, can they justify opposition to it in 2012? Are we aware that fuel could have been selling as low as N50 per litre now? Are we aware that the N145 limit set now by NNPC was the same that was set in 2012?
I can go on. Those who led opposition against removal of subsidy in 2012; a president who once said he did not believe there was anything called subsidy, politicians who capitalised on it four years ago will be justifying it in the days to come. Same Facebook activists who raked against it will be explaining to us why it was the best thing to do. Truly, they are right. But at what cost to this nation?
I am afraid. This nation might never be great again. I am not placing a curse but plainly being realistic!.
- Samuel Ajayi-
I am going to replace the word "might" with "will"
This country Nigeria, as it is presently constituted, with the attitude of our people, the ease with which we swallow propaganda, our penchant for celebrating mediocrity, our fraternity with religious bigotry and tribal jingoism.
It is just apt to conclude that the country will never be great,
- Aboki, may 2016-
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