Senate oppose Buhari on subsidy removal

The some senators have faulted the manner President Muhammadu Buhari carried out the subsidy removal.

Senators are to tell their constituents where they stand on the issue of the new fuel price in a debate next week

The upper chamber has in reaction to the increment scheduled a meeting next week to debate the new fuel price.

The Nation citing a source close to the leadership of the Senate reports that the scheduled meeting would afford senators the opportunity to tell their constituents where they stand on the issue

“Surely, we are going to discuss it when we reconvene next week. Some Senators are, no doubt, agitated about the way and manner the increase was announced while some others are bound to support the new policy,” the source said.

Adding that:“But it is necessary that we discuss the issue so as to let our constituents know where we stand. I can tell you, as explosive as the debate might be, the leadership of the Senate will not be opposed to the idea of debating the matter.”

He said although the presidency briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the need to deregulate the petroleum downstream, he complained that “before those who attended the briefing could leave the venue of the briefing, the announcement was made”.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has got 7-days to revert fuel price to the old pump price or stand the risk of civil disobedience taking over Nigeria.

According to reports, Dino Melaye has threatened to mobilise Nigerians against the Buhari-led administration if it does not revert to the old pump price of petrol within seven days.

Melaye, who participated actively in the #OcuppyNigeria protests, which forced the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve the idea of removing fuel subsidy, accused the current administration of going against the campaign promises of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).