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Monday 16 January 2012

STRIKE CALLED OFF, 97Naira it is!!*Happy New Year from GEJ? (Part 7 and final?)*


Hello again...
This is a continuation from
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, part 4, part 5 and part 6,
Nigeria's trade unions say they are suspending all mass protests and strikes just 6 hours after the president Jonathan announced that petrol will be sold at 97naira per litre

Source: Channels TV.

The Detailed Version Of The Presidential Address On The Implementation Of The Deregulation Policy In The Downstream Sector Of The Petroleum Industry
=====================================================================================

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
Sunday, January 15, 2012


I guess this is the final part of the drama series titled "Happy New Year from GEJ?"Politics is a deceptive game! Thanks for reading xx

5 comments:

crazylifemeetsdee said...

With his authoritative speech lacking empathy,I really do wonder if we are under democratic rule.By the way,I am so very proud of Nigerians right now,our next protest would be better...TO FUTURE OCCUPY NIGERIA...

Anonymous said...

Same as I said in another blog....I want to commend all Nigerians home and abroad for their resilience and unity in the past 15 -days of nation wide protest.

For the first time in the history of Nigeria after 50 years of independence by the British for Nigerians to have that sense of independence and freedom. I strongly believe the benefits and impacts of this nation wide protest out way its lost.

It really felt good to be free again for one to express himself and herself without interference of the military. I believe this protest brought back that sense of togetherness among Nigerians under one purpose for the first time in the history of Nigeria.

All Nigerians were singing with one voice and crying together with one voice and dieing together for one purpose. This shows if Nigerians persist in their quest for democracy and transparent government it can be achieved on the next poll come 2015.

It is recorded in the last 10 days of the initial call for mass protest no incident of major or minor crime was recorded, NO KIDNAPPING, NO ARMED ROBBERY AND MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT, NO POWER FAILURE incident. No crime was recorded by the Nigerian Police or the media. I believe Nigerians deserve an mighty applause for this.

My brothers and sisters keep up the good work . Let us not go back to our old ways of selfishness and self contentedness. We should all strive to be our brothers and sisters keeper.

0% CRIME IN NIGERIA FOR 10 GOOD DAYS.

This is just an observation and I believe if Nigerians can use this model to redirect the Nigerian cause. Get ready for a better Nigeria.

Also this protest should serve as a wake up call to all elected officials and those appointed to served that they are touchable and expandable any time and any day. They can no longer take the good of Nigeria for granted. Is a new dawn in Nigeria and is no longer business as usual.

I believe President Goodluck Jonathan needed to be applauded for his understanding and non combative approach unlike his predecessors. He means and desires well for all Nigerians though he is surrounded by host of bad and incompetent ministers and advisers all Nigerians must unite together to work with him in his quest for a better Nigeria. Let us continue to pray for him as the word of God instructed us to so.

After 50 years of repression, oppression and suppression Nigerians can cry, dance, sing and die together with one purpose.

I'm proud to be a Nigerian again.

God bless Nigeria.

Fluffycutething said...

Dear anon,

Quite sorry to burst your bubble but there was indeed a robbery on 3rdmainland bridge(lagos) during the period....

nevertheless i am with you on the unified front we nigerians put up during the period!!! Its at least a step in the right direction.

Molara Brown said...

It is going to be a long battle which I believe the Nigerian youths are ready for.

Ginger said...

I'm reading GEJ's speech for the first time, and all i can think is Goodluck e tu? but then again, the blame isn't for him alone, the writer of that heartless speech (Reuben Abati probably) deserves applause.

It is not over yet.