Your President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has heard your cries, and he has come up with a solution. Well, several solutions really. He gave a speech tonight, and if you missed it live, you didn’t miss much. If you had to buy overpriced fuel to power your generator to listen to this speech, then now you see why you should join the protests wherever you are to occupy Nigeria.
Quick summary: He shares the anguish of everyone who had to pay more on the return of their journey due to increased fuel prices (dear president, define “share”). For the year 2012, all political officials will have their “basic salaries” slashed by 25% (The word, ‘basic salaries’ seems relative to me, and what does he mean by “the year 2012′? As in, this cut will be reversed after 2012???). Tomorrow, he will launch a “robust mass transit intervention program” (the 1600 buses? *hiss*). Foreign trips by government officials will be drastically reduced (which explains why he’s currently not in Nigeria).
I give up. Read the speech yourself.
Dear Compatriots:
1. A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety.
2. The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future. The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour.
3. This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress. As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
4. Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel. I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys.
5. If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government. But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.
6. My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.
7. As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked. If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy.
8. As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people. Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians.
9. The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary.
10. The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people.
11. I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, which we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow. On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking.
12. To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices. On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.
13. For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.
14. We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry.
15. To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people.
16. Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation. Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains. I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians. I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.
17. To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects, which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document.
18. Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy.
19. We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people. Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time.
20. In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs.
21. Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren.
22. Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children.
23. This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens.
24. I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits.
25. As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word.
26. Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
January 7, 2012
Lewis says
Vera, methinks that you are being very unfair to Jonathan… The issue of fuel subsidy is not about the president… He did not create the problems which are associated with the subsidy in the first place! Nigeria was losing a lot of investible money subsidizing the economies of our neighboring countries which did not have to spend from their foreign reserves for their petrol, because of our very corrupt and very unpatriotic fuel marketers… Remember, Iran with a smaller population than Nigeria, a far higher petroleum production still thought it in their best economic interest to remove subsidies on petrol… if your reasons for advocating an occupy Nigeria protest are based on the removal of the fuel subsidies then they are wrongly, very wrongly premised!
Vera Ezimora says
Lewis, I don’t think that Jonathan is responsible for the problems associated with the fuel subsidy, but this isn’t the way to remove it. Plus, we know that Nigerians will not benefit from this money anyway, so what’s the point then?
@Qru_01 says
Hey lewis,i get your argument,but its an economic argument.i did some research and found out that the removal of the subsidies are necesary BUT the case against its removal isnt just economic.Weve got a HUGE trust deficit between the people and the Nigerian govt.Noone has been fully prosecuted for carting away billions of naira we already make so what makes anyone believe additional billions would(all of a sudden)find its way to the right place?
Secondly,the federal govt blatantly lied by saying the subsidyll be removed in april and then yanks it 2 months earlier.I honestly believe that people were resigned to losing the subsidy and just wanted to prepare for it.
Thirdly,people were(are) still bitter at the presidents handling of Boko Haram.Instead of showing up himself,he sent a spokesman to speak to the country after the xmas day bombings(bad move).When he finally shows up,he ordered a PARTIAL state of emergency,leaving the same incompetent Governors in charge(still scared of ticking them off) and is yet to show(in any way)that hes on top of the situation.
I come from a generation of Nigerians who this country has done nothing for;No electricity,we bought generators.No water,we dug boreholes.Bad education+No Jobs,we started nollywood,did music,designed clothes and weve kept on making lemonade out of lemons.So now theres no security,do they really want us to get our own guns?
Its an overheated polity right now.The subsidy removal is EXTREMELY ill-timed.It could be what tips this country over the edge.
P.s Iran has a 5-year subsidy removal plan;20% removal per year.and every citizen will have 45$ paid into their bank account.Families will have money paid into a trust fund for their children until they turn 20 years old.
Thats how its done…
Vera Ezimora says
QRU, I’m with you. Totally with you.
Adabeke says
I didn’t even read the entire post. I was just caught up with the title “YOUR president.” So you don’t want to claim him huh?