Press Release
Dear Compatriots,
1. This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities. Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike.
2. There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who were adversely affected by the protests.
3. At the inception of the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice Alfa Belgore Committee to liaise with Labour and other stakeholders to address likely grey areas in the policy, but despite all our efforts, Labour refused the option of dialogue and also disobeyed a restraining order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
4. However, following the intervention of the Leadership of the National Assembly, and other well-meaning Nigerians, Labour accepted to meet with government, but this yielded no tangible result.
5. It has become clear to government and all well-meaning Nigerians that other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and insecurity to the detriment of public peace.
6. Government appreciates that the implementation of the deregulation policy would cause initial hardships and commends Nigerians who have put forth suggestions and credible alternatives in this regard. Government also salutes Nigerians who by and large, conducted themselves peacefully while expressing their grievances. Let me assure you that government will continue to respect the people's right to express themselves within the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our democratic space.
7. Government will continue to pursue full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. However, given the hardships being suffered by Nigerians, and after due consideration and consultations with state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly, government has approved the reduction of the pump price of petrol to N97 per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to ensure compliance with this new pump price.
8. Government is working hard to reduce recurrent expenditure in line with current realities and to cut down on the cost of governance. In the meantime, government has commenced the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment projects: including the Federal Government- assisted mass transit programme which is already in place, and job creation for the youth.
9. Furthermore, the legal and regulatory regime for the petroleum industry will be reviewed to address accountability issues and current lapses in the Industry. In this regard, the Petroleum Industry Bill will be given accelerated attention. The report of the forensic audit carried out on the NNPC is being studied with a view to implementing the recommendations and sanctioning proven acts of corruption in the industry.
10. Let me assure Nigerians that this administration is irrevocably committed to tackling corruption in the petroleum industry as well as other sectors of the economy. Consequently, all those found to have contributed one way or the other to the economic adversity of the country will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
11. My dear compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and property throughout the federation.
12. Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion. As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and effectively discharge that responsibility. Let me add that we are desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders to call off their strike, and go back to work.
13. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively safeguard its unity.
14. Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday1. This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities. Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike.
2. There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who were adversely affected by the protests.
3. At the inception of the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice Alfa Belgore Committee to liaise with Labour and other stakeholders to address likely grey areas in the policy, but despite all our efforts, Labour refused the option of dialogue and also disobeyed a restraining order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
4. However, following the intervention of the Leadership of the National Assembly, and other well-meaning Nigerians, Labour accepted to meet with government, but this yielded no tangible result.
5. It has become clear to government and all well-meaning Nigerians that other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and insecurity to the detriment of public peace.
6. Government appreciates that the implementation of the deregulation policy would cause initial hardships and commends Nigerians who have put forth suggestions and credible alternatives in this regard. Government also salutes Nigerians who by and large, conducted themselves peacefully while expressing their grievances. Let me assure you that government will continue to respect the people's right to express themselves within the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our democratic space.
7. Government will continue to pursue full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. However, given the hardships being suffered by Nigerians, and after due consideration and consultations with state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly, government has approved the reduction of the pump price of petrol to N97 per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to ensure compliance with this new pump price.
8. Government is working hard to reduce recurrent expenditure in line with current realities and to cut down on the cost of governance. In the meantime, government has commenced the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment projects: including the Federal Government- assisted mass transit programme which is already in place, and job creation for the youth.
9. Furthermore, the legal and regulatory regime for the petroleum industry will be reviewed to address accountability issues and current lapses in the Industry. In this regard, the Petroleum Industry Bill will be given accelerated attention. The report of the forensic audit carried out on the NNPC is being studied with a view to implementing the recommendations and sanctioning proven acts of corruption in the industry.
10. Let me assure Nigerians that this administration is irrevocably committed to tackling corruption in the petroleum industry as well as other sectors of the economy. Consequently, all those found to have contributed one way or the other to the economic adversity of the country will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
11. My dear compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and property throughout the federation.
12. Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion. As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and effectively discharge that responsibility. Let me add that we are desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders to call off their strike, and go back to work.
13. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively safeguard its unity.
14. Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
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Lai lai, the struggle continues,
ReplyDeleteLet him go back to N65, then he should prosecute the cabal, reduce the bogus amounts in the budget. only then will we accept N65
Ko tie jo rara. We cant accept dat. Oga bad luck i beg return dis thing back 2 #65
DeleteA govt dat wants to reduce recurrent expenditure has more dan 70% of de 2012 budget dedicated to recurrent expenditure. A govt dat wants to cut de cost of governance has budgeted to spend 1billion on feeding. He once promised to reduce de size of govt but ended up having one of de biggest. The president thinks Nigerians are fools. Well, we're not foolish enough to take #97 for #65.
ReplyDeleteeven his tone was not encouraging.
ReplyDeletewe all knew this was the plan from the onset. tell them its N140/ liter, they protest, brief negotiations, then reduce to N97 which is what they actually wanted from the start
Sunday or whatever your name is called, you have to remember that he is still our president and we owe him respect and not to call him names. That is a moral issue we should take note of, lets our anger not take over our sense of responsibility.
ReplyDeleteNigeria are not fools by time Ngozi and Ayim destroy his govt he will wake from sleep of indecision. He said he has no shoe then, now he has plenty others in his former state can die now. He has join the capitalist. Nigeria arise to revolution against corruption.
ReplyDeleteAll these problems will not have come up if he had probed subsidy frauds, accelerated PIB bill, investigated the KPMG Report, etc before announcing increase. It i just plain unfair of them to force the pain on the common Nigerian who doesn't have any choice.
ReplyDeletethis man is too arrogant and ignorant he still thinks like his cronies tht Nigerians are fools
ReplyDeletePeople should allow Good luck to do his work as the president.
ReplyDeleteThen the so called "Sunday" that called him names should withdraw such comments of which I know he (Sunday) could not perform if he happens to be in that seat tomorrow.
Mine is everyone that has a part in taking Nigeria's commonwealth to enrich their pockets at the expense of the masses will experience pain and sorrow for the rest of their days in this world
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteur leader is ur leader, the bible says that we should honour and pray 4 our leaders bcos they are placed over you by God himself. Fellow Nigerians, kindly pray 4 ur leaders 4 God to give them divine direction.
ReplyDeleteLong live Mr President,Long Live His Excellency. for the fact that God has made you KING over this country, no conspiracy nor gang-up can stop it. my advice to you is to pray and listen to God, He will tell u what to do in this situation. Dont mind those intimidators and those who open thier mouth any how. You are GOODLUCK to Nigerians, may the GOD give you wisdom as Solomon.
ReplyDeleteThe president should be honourable enough to return the fuel price to 65 for reasonable discussion to take place. Nobody likes this his kind of procedure; it does not leave room for much rationality. It is probable that he just wants to dish what pleases him, not to be influenced by any dialogue.
ReplyDeleteThe president should be honourable enough to return the fuel price to 65 for reasonable discussion to take place. Nobody likes this his kind of procedure; it does not leave room for much rationality. It is probable that he just wants to dish what pleases him, not to be influenced by any dialogue.
ReplyDeleteAMAKA BEN or whatever u call urself, can u pay for our subsidy then he can be ur president and we can allow the increase, pay out the BILLIONS for the Nigerian masses and we will stop the protest, do u know what good governance is.
ReplyDeleteI believe u are amongst those who are after the looting of the national treasury, even u maybe u are amongst the cabal and also a petrol dealer if not u wont support BADLUCK SATAN in his herenous and evil deeds.
u need to have a rethink or get out of NIGERIA, bcos u say this to angry 99% of nigerians, u will just not last another 5minutes, u know what I mean.
JONATHAN has lost our trust, BUHARI would have been a better choice.
and JONATHAN can ever win the next re-election even if he rigs, NIGERIA will show him that we have wised up even more than them.
Why some Nigerians always fool thereself, although every one has it own opinion but bear these acrinal is always acrinal. Afully elected leader listing to his follower if Nigeria loses N2 trillion for 6days how much is Nigeria Budget? Why only few people enjoy nigeria wealth?
ReplyDeleteYou guys should leave sunday alone! he can call jonathan whatsover he want after all he deserve it after inflicting outrageous pains on the poor masses or do you ppl know if he can hardly afford a meal when the fuel was 65naira? moreover ppl has done worst things even killed their president than this! because you guys are friends of government & share in looting money u want to deny him of saying the truth? no! As for president, u have to put things in place to avoid causing hardship to an ordinary poor man who is dying from the vices & corruption of the greedy ppl in government before removing subsidy in the name of takling corruption & dealing with the so called cabals. why dont u nip it in the bud if u are truely takling corruption. my ppl say cutting ur head off isnt the solution to headache. Badluck jonathan indeed!
ReplyDeleteQuit d criticism n start thinking rationally.even durng ds period of strike, d ones who exploited d masses without mercy were u and i.yes, u see dm in d transportation area, our filling statns,our markets,etc.it was sheeer greed dt could be percieved in these areas during ds period.so pls, wn nxt u want t criticize or call names, u could start with ur nxt door neigbour who seeks avenues such as ds one to exploit their fellow human beings, then we can start d probe. As 4 d president, i pray God gves u wisdm n d rght advisers to pull ds nation tru ds tryng time.. . and as 4 u, if u tink its easy, try being d president of ur towngroup 4 1 day n inherit d knd of govt he did.
ReplyDeleteIf d shoe is too big for the president he can honorable give way for those that are willing to do better & move this country forward. its not easy yet they keep allocating exorbitant sum for unecessary expenses instead of national growth. u are talking as if u are not seeing what is happening, am not suprise! billions & billions of naira for food, stationery, travel, newspaper & others then expect masses to sacrifise? a good leader proceed by example.
ReplyDeletenelson shut up
ReplyDeleteDEADLUCK, EVIL YOU ARE AND EVIL YOU SHALL REMAIN. STUPID JONATHAN WE HATE YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteWe love our President Goodluck because GOD is LOVE. We pray for God's wisdom over you. You will live long and rule this country with the fear of God.
ReplyDeleteOh! Amadboy or what ever you called that name of yours, we are not surprise to hear people like you afterall bad leader bad folowers.
ReplyDeletestop decieving your self as God never want transgresion. speek theTruth that you may receive God bless and don't be decieved by that thing