President Bola Tinubu was urged by the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law, NBA-SPIDEL, to come up with quick plans to mitigate the effects of removing the fuel subsidy.
The section’s chairman, Monday Ubani, made the appeal while stating that Nigerians are suffering during a briefing on Monday in Lagos.
Ubani, who criticized the president’s decision to end fuel subsidy, claimed that Nigerians are suffering and going through a difficult time.
He said: “We note that though the majority of Nigerians do not understand the huge scam that subsidy represents in the oil sector, the process and procedure for the removal were faulty.
“This has occasioned severe consequences and taken a toll on the hapless citizens who are always the victims of such government policies that are not well thought out.
”The president must be told in clear terms that Nigerians are groaning in pain, especially with the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy.
”Salary increase for civil servants – whose population is infinitesimal compared to millions that are outside government employment – will not be enough to solve the present crisis.
“More drastic and well-thought-out economic packages should be put in place to cushion the harsh effects of the new policy. Again, Mr. President must seek wisdom and the right kind of advice to navigate the present impasse the country has found itself.”
The NBA-SPIDEL Chairman however commended the president over his decision to remove the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, calling for an in-depth investigation of the apex bank chief. He also called for the probe of the aviation ministry.