Their patience has worn thin. It seems like there is no end, in sight for their suffering. It's understandable considering how tough life has become in this country. When a new government takes over Nigerians hope for at some relief. That hasn't been the case.
To be fair Bola Tinubu never promised that all the problems in the country would magically disappear soon as he became President of Nigeria. Like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who were also candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party respectively Tinubu pledged to put an end to the subsidy system if elected. True to his word he abolished the subsidy regime within a month of taking office. So why is there anger across the nation?
The removal of fuel subsidies has brought about hardship. Many Nigerians regardless of their status now find themselves walking distances just to save on transportation costs when going to work. In the two months the price of petrol (known as Premium Motor Spirit) has skyrocketed from N534 to N617 per litre. This drastic increase has had an effect, on both city and inter city transportation costs.
Not to mention the increase, in prices of groceries and other necessary items.
Despite their efforts the Federal Government remained unmoved, in its decision to completely remove subsidies from petrol. This led to a protest where demonstrators, including Joe Agaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Festus Osifo his Trade Union Congress counterpart forcefully brought down the gate of the National Assembly in Abuja after security personnel denied them access to engage with lawmakers on Wednesday.
Throughout the country frustrated protesters expressed their discontent through singing and dancing due to the hardships they were facing. They urged the government to implement measures to alleviate their suffering. However the announced palliative measures by the President during his Monday address did little to ease tensions among workers who have been significantly impacted by this subsidy removal.
Ajaero emphasized that despite any attempts by the government to make peace offerings it would not deter them from continuing with protests. He warned against paying lip service without action towards addressing the challenges faced by workers, in our nation.
The invasion of the National Assembly complex, on Wednesday while the Senators were conducting nominee screenings likely caused embarrassment for some of them.
In an interview, with The PUNCH Senator Victor Umeh, who represents the Anambra Central Senatorial District criticized the government led by Tinubu for its planning regarding the consequences of subsidy removal. He believes that having a crude oil refinery is the effective solution to address the continuous reliance on market forces, which has been a longstanding issue in Nigerias oil sector.
While Umeh acknowledged that removing subsidies was a step in the direction and urged Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government he also called on Tinubus administration to prioritize revamping the countrys four refineries of relying on imported fuel to meet domestic demands.
As an elected representative of the Labour Party Umeh further expressed his concern that the measures implemented by the Commander in Chief were not exactly what those, in poverty needed "to overcome their challenges."
He stated, "It is truly unfortunate that our country is facing times. It is important for everyone to remain calm so that we can find solutions. The sudden removal of fuel subsidies was. Has caused hardships we are experiencing today. If we cannot refine oil locally then it will be difficult for us to overcome these troubles."
I kindly request Nigerians, including members of the NLC to consider giving the government an opportunity to initiate its plans. One way to begin is, by focusing on refining oil within our country.
"If we continue relying on imported products we won't be able to overcome this challenge. I deeply empathize with Nigerians including myself. It's undeniable that Nigerians are currently facing suffering. As a solution lets revive the existing refineries, in the country while simultaneously taking steps to establish ones. The government should also implement measures to alleviate the impact on transportation.
The suggested amount of N8,000 for 12 million families seems uncertain and inconclusive. The entire range of relief packages announced by the President ought to be reassessed since the peoples needs are growing larger each day. The truth is that these provisions should have been in place before removing the subsidy. When an average worker suddenly realizes that their monthly salary no longer covers transportation and food expenses it becomes evident that there is a problem."
Adding to the discussion is Billy Osawaru, a member of the House of Representatives representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency in Edo State. He pointed out individuals, behind these protests without disclosing their identities.
"Some Nigerians are supporting the protests. Its puzzling because the President has shown willingness to address the concerns of the people. The President has already outlined plans to alleviate hardships, which's an improvement. Lets be honest, with ourselves. In two months in office President Tinubu has responded to the peoples demands by presenting term mid term and long term strategies to tackle these challenges. However despite these efforts some individuals are still adamant about protesting. What are they hoping to achieve?
Are they suggesting that their voices aren't being heard? There are individuals who are fueling distrust. It seems they have ulterior motives that don't serve Nigerias best interests. If their intentions were genuine they would consider the proposals put forth by the President."
Osawaru mentioned that during the administration organized labor was not given an opportunity to oppose decisions. He noted that "these same labor representatives were taken to court by Muhammadu Buharis administration and prohibited from protesting. What did they accomplish? It's unfortunate that there are self centered individuals, behind these protests."
Nigerians need to be well informed and aware that those individuals who profess their love, for this country are actually engaging in activities that harm the well being of our nation.
According to Mike Ozekhome, a lawyer, in Nigeria it is crucial for the government to address the hardships faced by Nigerians. He warns that if nothing is done the situation could worsen and reach a level.
Anthony Sani, the National Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum also expressed his thoughts on the matter. While he understands and sympathizes with the protests against fuel subsidy removal he believes that tearing down the gate of the National Assembly was a step. Sani explains that in the past fuel subsidy was supported because the government had resources. However due, to low production quotas and oil prices removing it became inevitable for the government.
"The president mentioned this during his broadcast."
However Sani also mentioned that the reason why all major political parties, in the country promised to eliminate the subsidy regime was because they considered it undesirable. This promise was made in anticipation of winning the 2023 election.
"This is why all the major political parties, including APC, PDP and LP campaigned for its removal. Now that it has been eliminated the Federal Government has introduced measures to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians. The NLC, TUC and other Nigerians are encouraged to provide suggestions, on how the government can reduce these difficulties until the Dangote Refinery becomes operational and subsequently lowers petrol prices.
"The NLC, TUC, opposition parties and Nigerians have the freedom to convey their ideas on maximizing resources for welfare. However it is essential to avoid protests and violence as they cannot be a solution in this situation " he emphasized.
The governments next steps remain uncertain as leaders of labor unions reportedly met with the President shortly after the protests concluded in state capitals, across the nation.
0 Comments