OIL SUBSIDY: SUFFERING AND SMILING.....PUTTING AN END TO THIS

The philosophical musician, Fela Anikulapo, fought endless against the corruption in Nigerian Government using his music (which was more political in nature), yet nothing substantial changes in the helm of authority called Government. Some years after the demise of the legendary Fela, Nigerians are still under the colonial rules subjected by their own government. Since her independence and to the present day, Nigeria as a nation is not suffering from natural disasters but human disaster called ‘Leadership or Governance’.

The dysfunctional nature of both the Nigerian government and her refineries have culminated to the ongoing unrest between the governed and the governance of this 8^th largest oil producing country in the world and where two-thirds of the population of about 164 million live on less than $1.25 a day. The stigmatized corrupt Government of Nigeria, in a wake up decision literally removed the subsidy enjoyed by the masses on the 1^st of January leaving the masses to bear the burden of hardship subjected by this removal without any cushioning effect put in place by the Government. Nigerians with NLC and other civil organizations have thrown their back against this unwarranted torture by the government through protest.

Today marks the third of the several protests by Nigerians across the nations and outside the nations and we are yet to see any concern from the Government that tagged herself as the government of the people despite the human life that have been lost during the protest. For instance, the minister for labour under the present administration said government will not remove the subsidy regardless of the level of persuade by the people. Is this an indication of good governance?

The masses, the labour union and civil right societies are lamenting over the unprecedented hike while the government is roaring and singing the song of no return to status quo. Nigerians abroad especially in United Kingdom and United States have demonstrated their non acceptance of the hike through the Occupy Nigeria Movement in London, Washington DC, New York and environ.  The New York Occupy Nigeria rally was held in front of Nigeria House in Manhattan while that of Washington DC was held in front of World Bank and International Monetary Fund head offices. These protests were in support of the indefinite nationwide strike on going in Nigeria.

Nigerians want not just the reversal of the pump price but an end to the suffering of the masses where other rich and untouchable groups, the so called ‘CARTEL’ are walloping the wealth of the nation at the detriment of others. It is high time we all combat the virus called ‘CORRUPTION’ so that we can create a future whereby citizens will not only benefits from the government on the principle of equality but the future leaders (coming generations) will have good legacy to follow.