THE Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU said yesterday that Nigerians would never embrace any attempt by the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy.
The academic union spoke through its national treasurer, Dr Ademola Aremu.
Speaking in a lecture entitled, “Clamour for fuel subsidy removal: In whose interest?”, at the pre-May Day lecture organised by journalists in Oyo State, he said government would not curry the favour of the union until knotty issues surrounding the petroleum industry were resolved.
According to him, subsidy could not be removed from fuel without tackling other policies and socio-economic issues which could re-ignite the faith of Nigerians in their leaders.
He said, “The starting point of this would be the removal of corruption which has become second nature to oil business in Nigeria, albeit a general characteristic of the business the world over. This could only be achieved through government accountability to its citizens.”
“Is it possible for government to give a near estimate of the crude oil being explored in Nigeria on daily, weekly or other such periodic basis? Can Nigerians be made aware of the amount of money invested in refining the crude oil produce? Can the memoranda of understanding between the international oil companies and the Nigerian government be made public with the rules of engagement stated in black and white”. (Vanguard)