House Of Reps Change Stance On Fuel Subsidy

The House of Representatives has changed its stance on the removal of fuel subsidy, now it claims it has not taken a definite stance on the fuel subsidy issue.

The removal of the subsidy on fuel has sparked protests tagged “Occupy Nigeria Protests” across the country.

In a fresh statement it issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the House said its position on the controversial policy would be guided by the majority opinions of members.

Members are currently observing the Christmas and New Year break and will reconvene on Tuesday, January 10.

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Victor Ogene, signed Tuesday’s statement.

It read in part, “The House of Representatives has not taken any definite decision on the subsidy matter before it proceeded on recess on December 20, 2011.

“However, the House of Representatives would immediately upon resumption on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, commence exhaustive deliberation and consultation with other stakeholders on the issue, and wishes to assure all Nigerians that as the elected representatives of the people, the outcome will be reflective of the views of majority of members.”

The latest statement was contrary to the earlier position the House took on December 1 when it considered and approved a report on the medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper on the 2012 budget.

The report, a product of the House Joint Committee on Appropriation, Finance and Legislative Budget, opposed the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

Members in plenary, endorsed the report, describing any move by the Executive to remove subsidy as “premature.”

The House also kicked against the proposal of the President to use proceeds from subsidy removal to fund the deficit in the 2012 budget.

Source: Punch Newspapers

7 COMMENTS

  1. I solely pray the Govt uses the subsidy money to better the lives of Nigerians and they shld try and reduce the price to something around 90 Naira so that the poor can also afford the products. Pls Mr Presidnt, do not disappoint the good people of Nigeria because we fought and strived to put you there. God bless Nigeria!