PDP Lawmakers Fault Hike as House to Adopt position

Members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives have said the removal of fuel subsidy is a confirmation that the campaign promises made by the All Progressives Congress and President Muhammadu, were merely propaganda to ensure the removal of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Binta Bello, accused the APC of having no intention to keep its promises as has been shown by the increase in electricity tariffs and now removal of fuel subsidy leading to price increase.
Speaking with THISDAY yesterday, Bello recalled that President Buhari, during the campaign reassured Nigerians several times that he would not allow an increase in the price of fuel, a promise which has now been broken.

“Nigerians have records of all their promises and these would be used as the yardstick to measure integrity, not trumpeting. Nigerians would be the judge. APC only came together to fight the government then,” she said.
Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said it is necessary that politicians campaign with real issues, as several Nigerians now believe they were deceived by the APC during campaigns.

She recalled that there were protest when former President Jonathan removed subsidy, and the House of Representatives investigation revealed scams worth billions of Naira on subsidy.
Reyenieju however expressed his support for the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and deregulation of the oil sector particularly as concerns product importation and distribution.
Meanwhile, the House will soon make known its position on the removal of fuel subsidy on petrol and a pegged price of N145 per litre, by the current administration.

The matter is likely to be discussed by the lawmakers at the resumption of plenary next Tuesday.
The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, told a delegation from the National Council of Ulamas yesterday that the lawmakers would take a collective decision on the subsidy removal when it comes up at plenary.
He however noted that the government would not deliberately compound the sufferings of Nigerians masses.