GOVERNOR Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa yesterday urged Nigerians to accept the removal of oil subsidy by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that it was a collective decision of all governors and other leaders for the good of the nation.
Yakowa spoke in a statewide broadcast in Kaduna, while also announcing the decision of his government to set up a 60-man committee to manage and identify projects to be executed with the proceeds accruable from the subsidy removal.
He cautioned trouble-makers who wanted to hijack the protest by Labour to refrain from violence, as the government was set to maintain the prevailing peace.
Yakowa said: “Fellow citizens of Kaduna State, a lot has been said by Mr President, Coordinating minister of the economy, Petroleum Minister, Central Bank Governor and other key Federal Government Officials on the issue of the removal of fuel subsidy. I will therefore not like to belabour us on what we are already familiar with.We are now passing through another threshold of our development, where the freedom of association and expression as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is at work.
“We are equally engaged in a process that will test our resolve to accept positive changes and respect our democratic values.But let me start by congratulating the organized Labour in Kaduna State for keeping faith with their resolve to conduct a peaceful demonstration to register their position on the removal of the fuel subsidy.”
“Kaduna state is setting up a committee that will identify programmes, projects and activities that will be implemented with the proceeds of the removal of fuel subsidy that will accrue to it.
“There must come a time when a courageous leader will have to take the bull by the horn and this is precisely what His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is doing.
“ With a deep sense of courage and patriotism, he is initiating policies and programs that will transform the economy and uplift the general livelihood of our people. Harsh as the removal of fuel subsidy may look like now, in the long run, we shall be better for it. Let me emphasise at this juncture that going by history, there can be no development and positive change without sacrifice.
“ Therefore, what is required of us at this point in time is understanding, patience and resolve to support Mr. President and his transformation agenda by making necessary sacrifices in accepting the present temporary hardships for a greater tomorrow.
“ As a member of the National Economic Council, it was a collective decision that was taken by all members of the Council.On this note, speaking from my heart, I wish to assure all citizens that this administration is totally committed to ushering in good leadership for peace, unity, and rapid development for the general good of our people. We shall continue to work tirelessly with the support of the security agencies to protect lives and properties and provide conducive environment for our people to go about their lawful businesses.
“All we require of you is support through your willingness to embrace dialogue, peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. This explains why towards our search for peace and peaceful co-existence, Government and security Agencies held series of meetings with Community leaders from different parts of the Country in Kaduna state, to assure them of our resolve, preparedness and capacity of Government to protect the lives and properties of everyone in the state”.
Yakowa added: “Towards ensuring genuine peace and reconciliation in Kaduna State, a 60 man Peace and Reconciliation Committee made up of eminent and credible personalities is being set up.
“ I must once again salute the organised labour – NLC, TUC and other organisations for the orderly manner in which they conducted the demonstration on the first day and to also commend the security agencies, traditional, religious and community leaders for their respective roles in ensuring peace, order and security in various parts of the State.
“ However, it is regrettable that the strike action was hijacked by over zealous elements who cajoled under-age children and pregnant women to come out on an issue they know nothing about. This is most unfortunate and clearly shows that the good intention has been taken over by those with a hidden agenda. This led to intimidation and harassment of innocent citizens and heading toward the breakdown of law and order, hence the imposition of a curfew. It is needless to stress that we have had enough of violence, killings and destruction and so I am calling on parents to closely monitor the movement of their childrenIt is in view of this that I appeal to all citizens to be law abiding by rejecting all clandestine attempts to woo innocent people into the street.
“I urge people to obey the curfew that has been imposed within Kaduna metropolis. Do this for the sake of our dear state, in order to protect peace, unity and the preservation of people’s dignity… I assure you all that the curfew will be reviewed as soon as normalcy returns to the state.
“It is also gratifying to note that when organised labour in the state noticed that the peaceful protest was being hijacked, they called on citizens to stay back at home, which is also an acceptable form of protest world-wide. Kaduna State as we all know is a miniature Nigeria. I am appealing to the good people of the State to exercise restraint in all that we do so that we do not threaten our existing peaceful environment.
“Fellow citizens of Kaduna State, it is a known fact that all issues of disagreements between two or more parties are better resolved through dialogue. It is gratifying to note that the Federal Government of Nigeria has since put in place a platform for dialogue with Labour through the Justice Alfa Belgore’s led Panel.
“The essence is for mutual understanding and support of the drive to reinvigorate the productive sector of our nation’s economy and squarely face our issues of development where every citizen should be an active participant. The Platform for dialogue is equally a Platform for friendship and friendship is often said to improve happiness and abate misery.
“I therefore sincerely appeal to the organized labour to utilize the platform provided through the Justice Alfa Balgore’s Panel to dialogue and reach understanding on the issues at stake for the greater happiness of our people. This will enable the Dr Christopher Kolade’s Panel to be properly guided for effective delivery from the Petroleum Subsidy removal fund to propel our economy to a highly productive capacity”.
“At this juncture, it is good to once again reiterate the Federal Government’s commitment toward alleviating the temporary inconveniences associated with the removal of fuel subsidy”.
“ These measures include but not limited to; a programme of mass transit interventions, maternal and child health services, public works/ women and youth employment programmes, Zaria regional water supply scheme, road infrastructure, rail projects like the 187 km Abuja – Kaduna Standard Gauge, irrigation projects like the Guarara Dam in Kachia/Kagarko Local Governments where 2000 hectares of irrigation farmland will be provided, in addition to 30 megawatts of electricity that will be generated”.
“Others include the Galma Dam in Kubau Local Government where 10 megawatts of electricity will also be generated.These are very laudable projects to be implemented in Kaduna State from the proceeds of the removal of fuel subsidy in addition to ongoing and planned capital projects for 2012 and beyond by the Federal Government.Therefore, we are appealing to our dear citizens to bear with the current situation in order for our tomorrow to be better.”
