Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, has threatened to mobilise Nigerians against the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration if it does not revert to the old pump price of petrol within seven days.
Melaye, who participated actively in the #OcuppyNigeria protests, which forced the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve the idea of removing fuel subsidy, accused the current administration of going against the campaign promises of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He asked John Oyegun, national chairman of the party, to advise Buhari to revoke the increment.
“My sincere advise is for the National Chairman of our party to suggest that the federal government immediately reverse the announced increase in the pump price of PMS,” he wrote on Facebook.
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“If after seven days from Monday, there is no reversal, I will mobilise Nigerians from all walks of life for the mother of all protest. This is not what we promised Nigerians.
“The time is not right and the negative effects will be unbearable. A word is enough for the wise.”
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Melaye is not the first APC senator to oppose the new price regime in the oil sector.
Shehu Sani, the lawmaker representing Kaduna central senatorial district, has also expressed reservation over the hike in fuel price.
“My position remains unchanged, crystal clear and unwavering; I stand opposed to the removal of petroleum subsidy and I STAND opposed to increase in pump price of petroleum products,” he said.
“It will do nothing other than add to the suffering and further impoverish the masses of our people.
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“It amounts to capitulation and outright deception for those of us who led millions of people, out in the street, few years ago, against pump price increase and against subsidy removal to now give economic excuses to justify same.
“The moral flag we raised in the past is now the scale of justice to measure the degree of our conscience in the present.”
Sani, a renowned activist, also took part in the anti-subsidy protest in 2012.
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9 comments
Who will follow you? When will the time be ripe to remove subsidy that benefits only the bourgeoisie?Nigerians will be better off without subsidy,what has Senators Melaye and Shehu contributed to the well being of Nigerians? They had better shut up their mouths and allow us to take our destiny in our hands instead of unnecessary agitations that will only benefit them and their cronies who benefits from the subsidy regime.
Ato, There are more than 100 million Nigerian who share your view. This country belongs to all of us and we shall continue to support a leadership we yearn for sought for and voted for. Subsidy nonsense! We shall endure this hike for a better tomorrow. We have an honest leader and we endure. The rot must be cleared for a breath of fresh air.
Thumbs up for you Atoyegbe.Thus is just common sence.I’m in support of the federal government.
With what we have witnessed over the past three months, there is no better option than remove the fuel subsidy in as much regular supply is guaranteed.
Removal of subsidy was long overdue. Nigerians don’t need it any longer as it is a scam by the few benefitting from it. Make the product available at all times for “drive in drive out” in 5 minutes from gas station; fix the pump to dispense accurately and leave the pricing for the forces of demand and supply.Surely we will be alright.
Not your call el”Dino, we are wise and better equipped now than the last time. This your call is only to satisfy your luxurious life style something which is alien to most of us. Let the subsidy remain removed, the pains will be but for a short while!!
Dino! Nobody will flow u unless saraki and the ninety sans. We are wiser now. We have seen hu u really are
Mobilize yourself and your likes. We stand by the government. No pain, no gain, we must set ourselves free from the past. Subsidize education, agriculture, small businesses and entrepreneurship and not oil subsidy corruption.
Dino: I feel sorry for the people of your senatorial Zone. You have derailed and blinded in all argument. Sorry buddy, this time I guess your on your own. Subsidy is gone for good.