President Jonathan should consider agonies of Nigerians

Barring last minute change of mind, President Goodluck Jonathan would withdraw the so-called fuel subsidy with imminent hardship for Nigerians.Eminent Nigerians have advised Jonathan not to remove the subsidy at this period of economic depression, when average Nigerians live in penury. He was implored to make the withdrawal piece meal and introduce palliative measures before the eventual withdrawal.From the disposition of the president, the advice inconsequential and not enough to stop the removal of the subsidy, which in his views obstructed Nigeria's economic growth.Among those who advised Jonathan were former Heads of State, elder statesmen, Intelligential, former political office holders, etc. There is no doubt that these are patriotic Nigerians who wish the president well. unlike his lieutenants who love their political offices than well being of Nigerians and could not give the president honest advice on the true situation about the plight of Nigerians.From what we read in the dailies, particularly interviews of eminent Nigerians, including governors, former ministers, etc. there are some cabals who are above the law that are shortchanging the nation as far as importation of petroleum products is concerned. We equally realised that there is no accountability in the affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NPC).Why can't the president order probe into the above questions instead of rushing to remove the subsidy which will only aggravate the agonies of Nigerians' The president should remember that Nigerian government had taken this same path in the past as dictated by Bretton Wood Institutions with no solution to our economic problems. If there were solutions, we would not be talking of fuel subsidy removal now.The president was elected to become the president because people believed he would lessen their sufferings. His gentle mien and humble background were considered by the people. With his recalcitrant attitude on fuel subsidy removal, shall we believe that hiss disposition was deceptive' There is no doubt that Mr. President has genuine interest of this nation at heart. And as such, he wants to lead the nation out of economic doldrums. However, he needs to give his policies a human face and listen to useful advice. Any economic policy that would put hardship on Nigerians is obnoxious and should be discarded. Crises at hand are enough, especially the menace of Boko Haram, violent armed robberies, insecurity, collapsed infrastructure, poverty, etc. He should seek the way to ease tension in the land and not escalate it. Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
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