There was a mild drama on the floor of the House of Representatives during the debate on the motion on alleged plan by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to remove fuel subsidy.
Some of the lawmakers who kicked against the motion are: Femi Gbajabiamila, Majority Leader and Herman Hembe, chairman, House Committee on FCT.
Albert Adeogun, who sponsored the motion on the alleged ongoing plans by the Federal Government to remove petroleum subsidy, however, called for caution as such move might “ultimately result into inflation and increase in goods and services, thereby aggravating poverty.”
To this end, he urged Federal Government to exercise restraint in removing the fuel subsidy, and rather introduce less restrictive and stringent condition for the setting up of refineries in Nigeria so as to stimulate investments in the oil industry.
He also stressed the need for the present administration to fast track the repairs of the refineries to enhance local production of petroleum products, as this will, in the long run, eliminate the need for subsidy or reduce it to the barest minimum.
While calling for the House intervention, Adeogun prayed the House to mandate its Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to investigate the quantum of petroleum products imported into the country, the consumption pattern, distribution, exportation and smuggling of fuel to neighbouring countries through the borders, and make recommendations to the House within four weeks.
In a swift reaction to the intent of the motion, Gbajabiamila, who argued that the motion was speculative, said President Muhammadu Buhari had ruled out possibility of removing fuel subsidy.
“Because they are alleging does not mean that it will happen. We don’t bring allegation motions but motions based on facts.
“Mr. President has said repeatedly that he will not be removing subsidy. In fact, yesterday the government approved payment for subsidy totalling N413 billion,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Herman Hembe, coming under point of Order, noted that “the rules of the House does not allow for motions hinged on speculation and hence should not be entertained.”
While expressing concern over the reactions of members to the motion, Leo Ogor (PDP-Delta) urged that the motion be allowed to go through the legislative process of presentation, debate and adoption or rejection.
“It’s so sad that here we’re being judgmental over a colleague. He deserves fair hearing. The House has come up with a motion that has gone through the process. You are saying the motion is judgmental. I appeal that we hear this motion out,” he said.
At this juncture, the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, upheld Ogor’s position, saying “lets see where the allegation is coming from. So, Honourable, go on and let’s see where the motion is going to.”
Following the agitation that trailed the motion, Albert Adeogun withdrew the motion with shouts of approval from the members in the floor.
