The fuel subsidy removal has triggered nationwide protests. I'm torn between joining the protests and staying on the sidelines.
Subsidy removal is not the issue to me. It is the endemic corruption in government.
The protests seem largely to be based on the subsidy removal which is inflicting pains on Nigerians. We should learn from our history. Fuel protests will get a response from government which will involve concessions from both parties. It won't stop the government from continuing in its old wasteful ways. This is a chance to win more concessions from the government.
Our demands should include:
1. A commitment by government starting with the 2012 budget to cut recurrent spending by @ least 30% and invest same in capital expenditure. Cuts should include reduction in allowances for national assembly members
2. The anti-corruption law should be strengthened with independence from the presidency granted to the EFCC
3. Palliatives which would include direct payments to the lowest income earners should be implemented prior to full deregulation
4. Oil marketers found to have flouted the laws should be penalised, their licences withdrawn and sponsors prosecuted.
5. Security apparatus should be overhauled. All service chiefs should be replaced with competent hands