ACN challenges Jonathan to subject controversial policies to debate

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to subject his administration's controversial policies, especially the planned removal of fuel subsidy and the seven-year single tenure for the president, to a rigorous debate and referendum, if he is indeed convinced they are good for Nigeria.The party threw the challenge in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.''Mr President, if you are convinced, as you said, that Nigerians know the truth and are in support of these policies, and that the 'opponents' of your administration have been misinforming the public, then let's have a robust debate on the issues, especially concerning single-tenure and fuel subsidy.''After the debate, which must not be government-sponsored, the issues should be subjected to a referendum, and the outcome accepted by all. This is the way to go, instead of the current style of your administration's officials talking down on Nigerians with dubious figures calibrated to twist facts,'' ACN said.The party said the president's recent stout defence of the single-tenure proposal has shown that he is not listening to the voice of Nigerians, and that he is indeed fixated on what a few advisers are telling him.''Mr President, Nigerians are suspicious of your single-tenure proposal. It reads as tenure elongation to them. They are wondering why you have made it a key issue at a time the country is yearning for a strong leadership in tackling worsening security problems, dilapidated infrastructure and other social problems, especially mass unemployment. They think you are getting your priorities wrong.''Our duty as an opposition party is to engage your administration in constructive criticism, which we have consistently done. But if indeed you are convinced we are misinforming the public, please take the issues directly to Nigerians as we have suggested, through a debate of stakeholders and a referendum,'' ACN declared.
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