ACN Governors Oppose Fuel Subsidy Removal

State governors elected on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Saturday after a closed-door meeting said they have sided with the party’s position on the removal of subsidy on petrol, which described the policy as ill-timed.

The position of the governors is however contrary to the position of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which they also belong to. The NGF rose from a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday night resolving to back subsidy withdrawal on petrol.


The ACN governors however appealed to citizens on the need to eschew violence, while pressing their demand for the reinstatement of fuel subsidy. The governors made the appeal at the meeting which held at the Marina official residence of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

The meeting which commenced at about 5 pm and lasted till late night, had  Osun State’s Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Ekiti’s Kayode Fayemi, Oyo’s Abiola Ajimobi in attendance while Edo’s Adams Oshiomhole and Ogun’s Ibikunle Amosu were absent. The governors explained that the responsibility for managing the nation’s petroleum resources is that of the Federal Government, while adding that "the pre-occupation of ACN as a party and its Governors is the welfare and security of our people." 

“Our party has already expressed its reservation about the recent policy of the Federal Government regarding fuel subsidy, particularly its sudden implementation. We fully associate ourselves with the position of our party. “In our view, the debate on the fuel subsidy is a narrow one. Subsidy is a financial and economic tool, not an end in itself. We are more concerned about the totality of the economy. 

“For this reason, it is imperative to immediately implement the long-standing demand for fiscal federalism. The first step in this direction is the immediate review of the lopsided revenue allocation formula," the ACN governors said.

They reinstated their commitment to the welfare of the people, saying, “This situation remains irrevocable despite the challenging global and local economic situations. “We are also unwavering in our commitment to the deepening of democracy and the enhancement of peace and security in our dear country, as necessary conditions for the successful implementation of life enhancing economic policies and programmes that enjoy the support of our people, and reduce the burden on them."

Source: DailyTimes

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