A CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Sunny Onuesoke has condemned the proposed nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), over the planned removal of petroleum subsidy.
Rather, he said such protests should be geared towards resuscitation of moribound refineries in the country in order to surmount various challenges facing the Oil sector
The Chieftain, who made the statement while addressing newsmen in Warri, Delta State, said if members of NLC meant well for Nigerians, they were expected to push for the renovation of non functional refineries rather than embarking on industrial strike.
He said the country has no excuse for not reviving its moribund domestic refineries.
It is a shame for Nigeria to remain the only OPEC member that imports over 90 per cent of its refined petroleum needs”.
The precipitous removal of fuel subsidy without making strategic plans or giving particular attention to the domestic refining is tantamount to strangulating Nigerians.
“Before the removal of the fuel subsidy, it will indeed be a very good idea for Nigeria to go all out to resuscitate its four comatose refineries and embark on building new ones in order to mitigate the consequences of the withdrawal. The poser here is why Nigeria’s four ailing refineries are yet to be resuscitated” he queried.
The PDP Chieftain advised that the government should not impulsively withdraw fuel subsidy unless its entire four comatose refineries were resuscitated.
