By VINCENT UJUMADU
AWKA—A MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Mr. Victor Ogene, has said that the issue of the controversial removal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government was not yet before the House.

Addressing newsmen in Awka, Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency, said the federal lawmakers would look at the issue dispassionately before taking any decision on it.

He said: “Many people have spoken on this issue and I assure Nigerians that their interests would be considered in taking any decision.

“As representatives of the people, the lawmakers would be on the side of the people and would do what is in the best interest of the nation.”

He also spoke on state creation, arguing that the South-East deserved one more state to bring the zone at par with other zones.

According to him, the argument in some quarters that some states are not viable is not tenable because state creation enhances development.

He said further: “The fact that some states are weak is not enough reason to suggest that such states should be merged. If that argument is to hold, should Nigeria merge with another country because it is in debt?”