By George Onah

Port Harcourt – Ikwerre Traditional Rulers Council in Rivers State has called on Nigerians to support the removal of oil subsidy being considered by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Chairman of the council, King Frank Eke, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, yesterday, that the removal would open opportunities for the army of unemployed youths in the country, and check criminality among the unemployed.

The monarch said: “The proposed removal of oil subsidy certainly is in good faith as it would generate job opportu-nities for the youths and empower women as well as provide the much needed infrastructure across the country.

“We must also consider the fact that there would be money to provide social security for the vulnerable segment of the society. The government has certainly made adequate preparation for the growth of our economy and accelerated development of the county.”

He said organised labour should weigh the issue properly before taking any action. He noted that labour unions were defenders of the workers in matters bordering on their welfare but that they should pause and reason with the government on this issue.

He said: “Mr. President means well and we should give him a chance to straighten the economy. We believe that no leader would make a law that would put its people in perpetual hunger and bondage.”