Why Buhari, APC leaders rejected fuel subsidy removal in 2012 – chieftain explains

– Leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) explained why they had opposed the fuel price hike and removal of subsidy back in 2012

– “We rejected fuel price hike then, basically because of the profligacy of the ex-regime. Hold us responsible if we squander money saved.”

– The leadership also expounded a series of decisions taken by the current administration, including the recent hike in the price of petrol, and commented on the strike planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress

Osita Okechukwu, the spokesperson of the South East Caucus of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has explained the then opposition party’s position on the former President Goodluck Jonathan attempt to remove fuel subsidy in January 2012.

According to Mr Okechukwu, the removal of fuel subsidy and increase in pump price of fuel announced by the Buhari-led administration last week was not hypocritical and was motivated by exceptional circumstances, while the Goodluck Jonathan administration was extremely profligate to take such measures.

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Recall that the APC used the organised labour and other civil society groups to create a movement known as #OccupyNigeria that stage massive protests around the country forcing the Jonathan administration to cave in to the pressure and settle for a partial subsidy removal.

Addressing the APC Zonal Women Summit in Enugu state on Monday he said: “The Fuel Price Hike is a painful and difficult decision. The pain is that there is no official dollars to sustain the huge bill.

President Muhammadu Buhari took pains to accept the proposal he had opposed as far back as his first stint as Head of State – 1984 – 1985.  It is also common knowledge that in 2012, members and leadership of our great party, the APC, opposed the fuel price hike or removal of subsidy. 

In the same vein, Mr President opposed it even in his second coming as president and campaigned repeatedly against it. True, we rejected fuel price hike then, basically because of the profligacy of the ex-regime. Hold us responsible if we squander money saved.”

On potential problems caused by Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress strike

“My Dear Compatriots, you must agree with me that what made Mr. President to accept fuel price hike in the midst of abject poverty in the land, despair and despondency; is nothing but the crunchy and dire financial situation – where it is difficult for local, state and federal governments to pay salaries. 

READ ALSO: “President Buhari is the only one who can save Nigeria” – APC leader

We all know that this is a president who never placed personal gains over public good and who will never squander our commonwealth. The true position is that the dwindling oil price and recent militant attack on oil installations have gravely rendered Federal Government cash strapped.

On corrupption during the Goodluck Jonathan administration

Nigeria is at cross-road. Coupled with what the former Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala dubbed lack of political will to save for the rainy day by the (Goodluck) Jonathan regime, which in simplicita means that we are paying for the sins of crass failure to plan and squandermania of the regime she coordinated. 

To be exact $550m was realized from oil sales in April this year and fuel import receipt gulped $225m, about 46%. This is Oil revenue which contributes over 80% of our foreign earnings and by extension our foreign reserves and over 40% used for petroleum products importation.”

On positive effects of fuel price hike

As we stated earlier in every cloud there is a silver lining, therefore we should give benefit of doubt to the Hon Minister of State of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu who had staked better days ahead.

Let’s try his dictum that competition will drive cost down. Finally, may we remind Labour that we of the APC are not foolish optimists who deny the dark and painful realities confronting our compatriots at the moment. 

READ ALSO: This is what ASUU plans to do against fuel price hike

All we are saying is that the patriotic Labour movement should bear in mind that the 70% of the people they had admonished to stockpile food items can barely afford full square meal per day, talk less of stockpiling food. 

Therefore, the strike may end up adversely affecting all of us, especially the same masses on whose behest the strike is being called.”

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