Reps Reject Removal Of Fuel Subsidy

The House of Representatives yesterday rejected a motion seeking the removal of the fuel subsidy regime by the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The motion entitled “The recurring crisis of fuel subsidy” was sponsored by Sunday Karimi who called for a permanent solution to the lingering nationwide fuel scarcity while urging the Buhari administration to muster the necessary political will to end the fuel subsidy regime

“As we speak, PMS sells in most places at the rate of N120 and N150 depending on where it is available which is against the official pump price of N87,” Karimi stated while leading debates.

Speaking in support of the fuel subsidy regime removal, the deputy house leader, Leo Ogor, said that the regime has become a drain on the country’s economy. He urged that government redirects fuel subsidy votes to other priority areas.

Ogor said, “How long will we continue to spend money we don’t have? How long will we allow oil marketers hold us to ransome? When will our refineries work? The money that we spend on fuel subsidy can be channelled to other crucial areas.”

Speaking in opposition to the motion, Osai Nicolas Osai said the motion’s timing was wrong and belated as the outstanding subsidy payment causing the fuel scarcities had been dealt with on Monday at a meeting between the country’s finance minister and oil marketers.

“I disagree with this motion because it is coming very late and standing on a very weak premise. The issue involved has to do with subsidy payment. The minister of finance and marketers were in a meeting which ended yesterday (Monday) and that matter has been resolved. So the House would be wasting resources and energy in trying to dabble into this matter,” Osai said. (Leadership)