By  VINCENT UJUMADU
AWKA—THE national executive committee, NEC, of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, will, at its meeting taking place at Eket, Akwa Ibom State next week, unveil the stand of the NBA on the controversial removal of fuel subsidy which has been a subject of debate in the country.

Anambra State chairman of NBA, Mr. S. U. Mbanaso, who briefed newsmen in Awka on preparations for this year’s Bar Week, explained that every branch of the association had been articulating its position on the issue, adding that all the views would be collated and NBA’s stand made public.

He, however, observed that as an individual, his position was that total removal of the subsidy would affect the masses adversely if not handled properly because every sector of the economy would record price hike.

He said: “The fear of those who are opposed to the removal of the subsidy is that people at the corridors of power may not manage it well. If the money to be realized will go to cushion the effect of the envisaged increase in the price of petroleum products, then there will be no problem.”

Meanwhile, legal luminaries have been lined up to present papers during the Bar Week. Among those expected to deliver papers are Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, Prof Ilochi Okafor, Mr. Erokoro, Chief E.C. Ekumaru, Mr. B.E. Nwofor and Arthur Okafor, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria. Others are Justice Pete Obiora, Justice A.O Ezeoke, Professor Greg Nwakoby, Professor Chuka Obozor and Anambra State commissioner of police, Mr. Muktari Ibrahim.