04 January 2012, Sweetcrude, CALABAR – A member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency in Cross River State, Daniel Asuquo, says President Goodluck Jonathan cannot take decision on fuel subsidy removal alone.
Asuquo, who spoke in Calabar, stated that President Jonathan “does not have the power to sit alone and say there is no subsidy”.
His words: “I am the most vexed on the issue of subsidy removal. I lashed at successive administrations for its failure to build functional refineries in the country.
“The Executive has a responsibility to provide a soft landing for Nigerians who have been traumatised over the years. It is unfortunate that members of the cartel who benefit from the oil subsidy largesse cannot build functional refineries. Rather, they engage in massive importation of petroleum products to the detriment of the masses.
“President Goodluck Jonathan does not have the power to sit alone and say there is no subsidy. It is a collective decision. As the head of the executive he has his own feelings. As far as I am concerned, the issue of subsidy removal is his opinion, but he has the duty to convince the people’s representatives, like me, that subsidy should be removed.”
