‘House of Reps will block subsidy removal’

[DT]

The House of Representatives will do everything within its powers to stop President Goodluck Jonathan from removing subsidy on petroleum products, House Deputy minority leader Rep Suleiman Abdurahman Sumaila has said.  He also said that the lawmakers have uncovered a plot by the government to blackmail them using their governors who will threaten them with recall if they refuse to toe their path.

Speaking to newsmen at the weekend, Sumaila disclosed that members of the House have agreed not to go against the wishes of their constituents on the issue.

"Section four of the 1999 constitution as amended charges us to make laws for the good governance, peace and security of this nation and I can tell you that subsidy removal is contrary to this provision since it will hurt the people we are suppose to serve and protect," the MP said.

Sumaila said the House has little or no role legally to stop the President from going ahead with the plan since it is within his powers to do so but hinted that if the president goes ahead with it, the parliament will by a unanimous resolution stop him.

"We will pass a resolution kicking against subsidy removal. Already, all members are in support of the motion and we will seek concurrence of the Senate to make it a law which will stop the government from removing subsidy."

"The House has started on a good note and we won't compromise. Nigerians should be vigilant and we are happy that all Nigerians are united in opposing this evil plan. They have put aside tribe, religion, party affiliations and regional interests just like Obasanjo's third term agenda," he said.

DailyTrust