By Jerry Emmanson
Against the backdrop of threats from Senators and certain groups arising from the government’s decision to remove petrol subsidy, Civil Society Organisations including Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) have promised total support for the decision.
The group led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Philip Agbese has also taken a swipe at the groups which they said were fighting for their selfish interest and also accused them of being sponsored by the same cabal that has been frustrating reforms in the petroleum sector.
In a strong worded press statement, the group particularly berated Senator Dino Melaye who they chided for what they described as an anti-people crusader.
” it is time for Nigerians to remove Dino Melaye’s influence from public opinion same way subsidy has been removed from petrol. We cannot continue to contaminate national conscience with the likes of Melaye, anti-people crusaders whose only business is to kick against reforms that do not benefit their selfishness”. They said.
The group added that “We find it most unfortunate that the ranks of such persons is led by the likes of the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, who has auspiciously been able to take a break from defending corruption at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to demand that subsidy should be restored”.
Speaking further SUN also took a swipe at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Unions Congress (TUC), for threatening to protest . They said Labour protests were unwarranted since the present government’s commitment to fight corruption has altered the configurations.
“NLC and TUC would do well to be reminded of the aftermath of the Occupy Protests, their officials exploited it as opportunity to get juicy panel and committee appointments after they criminally hijacked and called off protests that they did not initiate”. They chided.
It thus advised the Federal Government and Presidency that the war is not over as the activities of the likes of Melaye, NLC, TUC and others have proven that the cabal will stop at nothing including sustained sabotage to get their fix of slush funds.
The group said the government’s decision has proven that it is listening to the cries of the people and has shown it’s zeal to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian masses as the decision is timely being that its effect will include fuel queues dissipating across the country in record time.
“The boldness to remove subsidy has confirmed that this government has listening ears by responding to the clamour of Nigerians who are tired of suffering the hardship of fuel shortages and long queues whenever the cabal decides to create artificial shortage to blackmail the government into parting with billions of public funds”. It read in part.
It has however advised the federal government to intensify on its policy of transparency and anti-corruption, stating that the removal of subsidy does not mean Nigerians have forgotten the thefts of the time past. Adding that anti-corruption agencies must continue to and even speed up bringing the thieves to book.
