Political and social imperatives of fuel subsidy removal  must be considered-Full text of David Mark’s address to senate  Posted Tue Jan 10,2012

Protocol: Distinguished colleagues, I am pleased to welcome you back. I hope that in spite of all that has happened you have had some rest as well as the opportunity to spend time with friends, families and constituents.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Distinguished colleagues, we have reconvened at a trying period in our nation’s history. We are confronted by security challenges in different parts of the country, which are testing our collective resolve to live together as a united indivisible nation. The Christmas Day bomb attack at Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla and other attacks in different parts of the country especially the North East which has claimed many innocent lives, represents the most daring and costly attack by terrorists on fellow Nigerians. The attacks have instilled fear in the minds of ordinary Nigerians and threaten to impede the exercise of nation building. Once again, our tested cultural and religious values, which emphasize respect for life, are being eroded by these unscrupulous elements among us.

During my visit to Madalla, I saw first-hand the horrors of the attack and the wanton destruction it left in its trail. Once again, I wish to, on behalf of this Senate express our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolence to families and friends who lost loved ones in the various bombing incidents and acts of violence across the country. We pray for the repose of the souls of the dead and assure the families that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

The current security challenge has reinforced the need to aggressively pursue economic development and simultaneously implement the war on terrorism. In this regard, let me caution against reckless utterances by some Nigerians that endanger our national unity. Statements that encourage people to move from one region to another on the basis of faith and ethnicity is unpatriotic.  It portends danger to our corporate existence and a clear invitation to anarchy. 

FUEL SUBSIDY

Another pressing issue facing our constituents today relates to the decision by the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy. As we are well aware, this decision has not been popularly received by our people who consider it a bitter pill to swallow. Although the economic argument in support of fuel subsidy removal is compelling, the political and social imperatives must also be considered. On the other hand, this government is compelled by a genuine drive to transform the country and expand opportunities for economic growth. 

In order to overcome this impasse, it is imperative that we engage each other honestly on this issue. In line with this, during the recess, I directed the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment & Productivity to interface with labour groups. I had also urged individual Senators to engage with Labour and Civil Society Organisations.

The Senate Leadership has also been interfacing with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress as well as the Executive. These talks are ongoing and I hope that it will lead to an outcome that will be in the best interest of Nigerians.

Distinguished Colleagues, you will recall that this Senate had earlier directed its Committees on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Finance and Appropriations to look into the management of the subsidy scheme. We are yet to receive its report. Let me assure Nigerians that the Senate will not shy away from using its legislative instrument to bring to book all those found to have abused the subsidy proceeds.  

National Unity

I wish to appeal to Nigerians to embrace peace as it is the surest and indeed only way for genuine development. At this very difficult time, there are those that will like to lead us to believe that our country has reached the precipice or that the country is unstable. Challenges are normal in life but we must learn to act decisively when they arise. Let us not despair. In the words of Gandhi, for unity to be real it must stand the severest strain without breaking. May our unity never break! 

It is however crucial that we work assiduously towards building bridges of understanding and mutual co-existence between and amongst ethnic and religious groups in the country.

In conclusion, therefore, on behalf of my distinguished colleagues, let me reassure Nigerians that this Senate will not fall short of its responsibilities. We shall continue to legislate in the open and fairly on all matters that concern our people.

Dear colleagues, we stand on the threshold of history and I hope we shall be remembered for making the right decisions to preserve the unity of this great country.

In line with the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola, let me urge us to serve our people generously as they deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for any reward, except to know that we are doing our sworn duty to our fatherland.

God bless you, and God bless Nigeria! 

Being text of Address By The President Of The  Senate, Federal Republic Of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) David A. B. Mark  On The Resumption Of Plenary On Tuesday, January 10, 2012