There was a sharp argument among senators yesterday, November 24, on the removal of petrol subsidy.
The senators were divided as some were in support of fuel subsidy removal and others were against it.
Daily Trust reports that the argument started during the debate on the motion on fuel scarcity sponsored by Senator Barau I. Jibrin (APC, Kano North).
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi central) said the only solution to the scarcity was the removal of the petrol subsidy.
He added that the current pump price of petrol was not realistic.
“It is high time we support the executive in removing the petrol subsidy. It is shrouded in corruption as few people are milking the country,” he said.
However, Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna Central) opposed the removal of fuel subsidy.
According to him, it would negatively affect the masses.
Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives were also divided yesterday, over a motion that sought to urge the federal government to control Nigeria’s population.
According to Babatunde Gabriel Kolawole (APC, Ondo) who sponsored the motion, Nigeria’s population would be 433 million by the year 2050, subsequently making Nigeria the 3rd largest country in the world.”
He explained that there may be population crisis vis-a-vis available resources if the Nigerian population is allowed to grow to that extent, calling on the government to take adequate steps.
Some members however opposed him, saying the motion was anti-Islam.
Muhammad Sani Abdu (APC, Bauchi) described the motion as a waste of legislative energy and time.
But he was countered by the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara who said: “I don’t think this is dilatory, or a waste of legislative time. It is only calling for planning, so you may wish to speak against the motion during the debate.”
The speaker referred the matter to the committees on justice and population for advice.
The Emir of Kano and former CBN governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11, had advised President Muhammadu Buhari to remove the subsidy on fuel if he wants the Nigerian economy to bounce back.
President Buhari said that he would not be tempted to remove petroleum subsidy until full measures are in place to cushion the effect of such removal.
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