Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State 

By Emmanuel Ugwu

Despite the controversy against the planned deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry, the Federal Government yesterday said Nigerians will in future enjoy the removal of fuel subsidy given the derivable benefits, which would accrue from it.

Speaking with newsmen at his Aba home, Wogu pointed out the ongoing “celebration” of the telecommunications sector after deregulation in 2001, saying it was a matter of time before those crying over fuel subsidy removal would roll out the drums in celebration.

He said deregulation promoted competition thereby engendering efficiency and effectiveness in the supply, distribution and sale of petroleum products at reasonable prices.

He added that it was heart warming that Abia State Government was backing the policy, stressing that Governor Theodore Orji and the state lawmakers had taken the right decision by keying into the fiscal policy of President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration, which aimed at reviving all the sectors of the economy.

According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan was desirous of reviving every sector of the economy by freeing the much needed funds trapped in fuel subsidy hence every Nigerian should understand the good intentions of Mr. President and key into it.

He therefore called on all Abians to support the policy of fuel subsidy removal given the immense benefits that would accrue to the people as fuel subsidy has never in any way served its intended of benefitting the Nigerian masses.

The labour minister, who commended Orji for his bold initiative of total urban renewal of Aba, adding that he was satisfied at the pace of work in the ongoing rehabilitation of collapsed infrastructure and other social amenities.

He cited the rehabilitation of major roads like Ohanko, Obohia and Ukwumango that had in the past constituted night mare for Aba residents, adding that it was a thing of joy to see the massive road construction going on in every part of the state.