Fuel subsidy: Senators fear Tunisia, Egypt-style revolt...

FRESH facts has emerged that recent revolts in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen is fueling the opposition of many Senators and members of the House of Representatives to the planned withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

It was also learnt that some members of the House of Representatives have asked Speaker Aminu Tambuwal to be cautious in handling the fuel subsidy issue.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday restated that there was no going back on the withdrawal of subsidy.        

But moves by the President to woo National Assembly members have not met with much success. Investigations indicates that Senators and Representatives are scared of the security and social implications of the withdrawal of fuel subsidy on the nation's democracy.


A second term Senator, who spoke with journalists, said: "Some of us have been meeting and we are not comfortable with plans by the Federal Government to withdraw fuel subsidy.    "We are afraid of a replica of revolts in Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen. Most of our constituents are already overstretched and it is like pushing them to the wall.    Some other members of the National Assembly have fears that the expected protests by labour and civil society groups nationwide could threaten the nation's democracy.           

"With a large army of unemployed graduates, the fuel subsidy might be a time bomb waiting to explode," one of the legislators said.             

Another Senator, however, said: "Some of us support the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy because those benefiting from the subsidy are not up to 50. We believe that with enlightenment, Nigerians will appreciate the vision of the President. No gains without pains."    

As at press time, it was gathered that some members of the House were prevailing on the Speaker to be cautious in handling the matter. A member said: "We are building consensus to reject the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and it may be a major test for Tambuwal leadership." 

The Senate had this week directed its committees to probe what it said were cartels manipulating the subsidy for their own benefit to the detriment of greater majority of Nigerians.

Meanwhile, findings confirmed that the government may soon begin a campaign to sell the gains of the withdrawal of fuel subsidy to the public. It was learnt that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC will coordinate the campaign.  A committee is expected be constituted soon to drive the enlightenment project.