BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, Friday, urged Nigerians to see the removal of oil subsidy as an action taken by the Federal Government in their best interest and that of the national economy.

Chime also explained that the ban he placed on public processions in the state was not targeted at striking workers but a security measure taken “in the larger interest of our people to avert the dreadful possibility of hoodlums taking over the protest to cause mayhem.”

The Governor who stated this while addressing Catholic Priests of the Enugu Diocese during their first meeting of the year at the Sacred Heart Seminary Nsude, added that the removal of subsidy on oil was a step taken to stop the monumental fraud in the oil sector and check the activities of a cabal that held the nation hostage in that sector of the economy for a very long time.

Admitting that the current situation in the country was sad, he however advised that people should not attach sentiments in their assessment and appraisal of the government position but should rather carry out independent investigations before jumping to conclusions on the issue.

He called on Christians and their leaders in the state to pray for Divine intervention and control of affairs over the present situation in the country stressing that the church leaders had a major role to play in providing their congregations with accurate information about the situation and any other issue affecting the nation.

The governor said, “My appeal is that Nigerians should support President Jonathan on this deregulation drive which will ultimately benefit our people at the end of the day. The initial pains will give way to the obvious benefits inherent in the deregulation exercise that will transfer what a few people have been taking, to the use of all citizens.”

In their separate responses, the priests including Monsignors Augustine Akubue, Anthony Aso, Charles Ikeme, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka and Chinedu Anieke said that the removal of the subsidy was ill-timed.

They also complained about what they described as lack of information on the matter from government and advised that it would not augur well for any country to engage in crisis in so many quarters.

They requested that Mr. President should fish out and fight the cabals in all other sectors including rail transport, cement manufacturing stressing that the war should not be selectively prosecuted.

The Chairman of the meeting and the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Enugu Most Dr. Calistus Onaga, thanked Governor Chime for visiting and taking the time to address them on the true position of the situation in the state and Nigeria.