Former Minister of Housing Nduese Essien wants Nigerians to accept the planned removal of fuel subsidy, as it would checkmate the exploitation of the masses by few persons.

Essien made this call on Monday in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. He said his position was informed by the Senate probe, which uncovered the beneficiaries of the subsidy.

“Before now, I have held the opinion that there is no subsidy on fuel because Nigerians do not know the cost of refining the products, there can only be subsidy if the cost is known.

“But the revelation that the entire subsidy fund enriches few companies and individuals is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately, we should be prepared to brace and face the realities.

“If the importers demand an unreasonable price, we should be prepared to park our cars to force down the price. If government stops the waste on subsidy, other sectors that will benefit Nigerians will be better for it”, the former minister asserted.

Essien  disclosed that subsidy was not achieving its objectives and yet was draining the treasury of funds required by other sectors.

According to him, there was the need to restructure NNPC to make it more transparent, so that Nigerians would understand the workings of the oil industry and appreciate government’s decision on fuel subsidy.

He however, appealed to the Federal Government to deal with the current security challenges in parts of the country, stating that security was crucial to the transformation agenda of the government and should be given the priority it deserved. (NAN)