A former operations controller of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Engr. Abdullahi Isah Jankara, has called on the federal government to take advantage of the subsidy removal to negotiate a better deal for Nigerians.
Jankara, a governorship aspirant under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election called on Nigerians especially, labour unions, to shun agitation but rather put government on its toes to ensure proceeds from the removal of subsidy are put to good use.
In a statement he issued, Jankara said, “The fundamental concern all and sundry must express irrespective of party divide, whether you are in PDP, APC, PRP or OBEDIENT as they are fondly called, is how this country can move forward; we must all come together to chart a course for the progress of our great country
“I am of the opinion that subsidy should be removed. However, the only snag is for the government to go full trotter without remedial measures to reduce the effect or impact of the policy.
The government should cushion the effect in order to mitigate the impact of subsidy on the citizenry.
“We are all aware that there is no Presidential aspirant who did not declare subsidy removal during their campaigns because of the exorbitant amount spent on subsidy to the tune of about 50% of government’s revenue.
“I am of the view, that the labour union should jaw-jaw rather than war-war; they should come to the round table and sincerely discuss the way forward with the government by finding out what is in for them; such as palliatives, minimum wage and find out the status of our refineries and the way forward,” he said.
