Fuel subsidy - The political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak was booed by youth leaders at a town hall meeting on removal of fuel subsidy in Abuja, today. Ahmed Gulak was jeered by the youths when he rationalized the removal of fuel subsidies as an important step in achieving the President's transformation agenda. He argued that projects like the second Niger Bridge and the transformation of the nation's infrastructure are hinged on the successful management of monies recovered after removal of fuel subsidies.

Representatives of youths from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Youth Council of Nigeria, Moslem Youth Association, Christian Youth Association, and the Youth Parliament who made up the gathering rejected subsidy removal at this time.

Danjuma Bello Sarki, an executive of the youth council of Nigeria, condemned the removal of fuel subsidy on New Year's Day as unacceptable, and against the understanding made with youth leaders.

Danjuma explained that the presidency agreed with youth leaders earlier that subsidy removal will only take effect from April 2012, after extensive consultation with Nigerians at all level.

The President of NANS comrade Dauda Mohammed said as far as the Association is concerned, they were on the side of the majority of Nigerians, against removal of fuel subsidy.

Despite airing their grievances against sudden removal of fuel subsidy, the youths and government agreed to set up committees that would embark on a nationwide grassroots assessment of the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Ronald Mutum

Daily Trust/04/01/2012