by ‘Ifreke Inyang

This week on Rubbin’ Minds, we will be tackling the issue of fuel subsidy and seeking to understand the general modus operandi. What do young people think? What will young people do?

Earlier this week, EnoughisEnough issued a press release on the subject. Here’s an excerpt:

“Despite the concerns raised by different groups and individuals, President Jonathan will, tomorrow, present the 2012 Budget to the National Assembly excluding the provision for fuel subsidy.

In her two appearances before the Senate Joint Committees on Appropriation, Finance and Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for the public hearing on “The operations of the Fuel Subsidy Scheme in Nigeria,” the Minister of Petroleum represented the Federal Government’s position as follows:

The fuel subsidy structure is inefficient, costing us N600 billion ($3.75bn) in 2010 and N1.3 trillion ($8.125bn) from January – October 2011. The Federal Government cannot continue to pay as it’s unsustainable. By removing the subsidy, the savings will be used to provide critical infrastructure and services. Currently, only a small percentage of Nigerians (the marketers, middle and  upper-class Nigerians) benefit. When removed, more Nigerians will benefit.

In the words of a Yoruba proverb, the Federal Government has, yet again, left leprosy to treat ringworm. While we understand that the current cost structure is unsustainable, Nigerians can no longer afford to pay for government’s inefficiencies. It’s too expensive (financially; productive man hours and human lives) and it’s also NOT sustainable.”

Enough is Enough Nigeria will continue the conversation by hosting a public Town Hall Meeting within the next 10 days to discuss the issue. In a country that provides no social services or basic utilities like water, electricity, and security; the government cannot remove the bread from our mouths while it continues to feed fat on its princely cakes.

On Rubbin’ Minds, we will be discussing the issue on the show with Japheth Omojuwa, Cheta Nwanze, Wale Ajani, Amina Ebele and Kola Oyeneyin as guests. Tune in this Sunday to Channels TV by 3pm or watch online via: www.ynaija.com/rubbin-minds.