By ANAYO OKOLI
UMUAHIA— Abia State House of Assembly has passed a resolution supporting the controversial proposed removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, describing it as a good policy that would help the nation’s economic growth and stability.

The House noted that though the proposed policy was unpopular, it would guarantee the nation’s future development if well implemented.

However, in supporting the policy, the House said the President should state in specific terms, what he would do with funds to be realized from the withdrawal.

“Such commitment would include how many jobs he hopes to create, how many industries to set up and other facilities to put up for the good of the people “so that he could be held responsible,” said deputy speaker, Chief Alwell Asiforo Okere, yesterday.

Asiforo, who is also the House Committee Chairman on Information and Media, disclosed that the passage of the resolution followed a motion of a matter of urgent national importance moved by the member representing Isialangwa North, Chief Martins Azubike, who gave members of the House a thorough lecture on the issue which convinced them to pass the resolution.

He said the House was aware that organised labour and many Nigerians had kicked against the policy, saying “our problem has been fear of the unknown and the President wants to brave into the unknown.

“We are aware that labour is against it but we appeal to them to change their position. The subsidy has been on for a long time but there is nothing to show for it. With the removal, the sector will be opened up, more jobs will be created, and there will be new openings and more development.

“In Nigeria, government is not good in doing business because of the level of corruption. In 2003, government gave licence to a lot of people to build refineries, but none has been built. They felt it was cheap to get subsidy and import fuel which does not create any job for the people.

“Over 75% of the companies that get subsidy and import fuel does not have depot. Nigeria will be better off if subsidy is removed, and refineries are built, they will get more foreign currency when they export their products, provide jobs for the people.

“The problem is the fear of the unknown. The President wants to brave the unknown that is why the House wants to support him. We are urging labour and Nigerians to be patient”.

He admitted that initially price of fuel would rise but expressed the hope that eventually it would come down as it was currently happening in the communications industry.

Asiforo explained that Abia State government would embark on public education to educate the people on the need for the removal, saying that “the House considered the overall benefit of the policy and found out that it is good for the future of the country and it is for the good of our children”.