House of Reps avoids debate on fuel subsidy

House of Reps avoids debate on fuel subsidy 

 

House of Representatives on Tuesday failed to debate the removal of the subsidy announced by the new administration of Bola Tinubu.

Although the matter was mentioned, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, prevented it from being debated.

The subsidy motion was merely moved by Jide Jimoh (APC, Lagos) and the Speaker almost immediately hit the gavel on the note of commendation for the President to have had the courage to announce the removal.

Tinubu on Monday pronounced that petroleum subsidy no longer existed.

His pronouncement caused instant shock in the petroleum downstream sector as queues appeared at filling stations in major cities across the country.

Moving the motion, Jimoh said the President is “a concern senior citizen whose agenda is to favour the downtrodden for the purpose of humanity.”

He commended Tinubu for his pronouncement on the subsidy regime during his inauguration speech, adding that the position was consistent with the law as there is “no provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 Appropriation Act.”

Speaker overrules

After he presented his motion, several lawmakers indicated interest to speak on the motion but the speaker put the motion to vote and ruled.

Gbajabiamila, a close ally of the President, deliberately prevented members from speaking on the motion. When the members protested, he said he had hit the gavel and could not reverse himself.

Gbajabiamila said the lawmakers could make comments on the subsidy in the course of the session even though it would not have any effect on the motion.

“There is no breach of privilege. We have hit the gravel, and we cannot go back. As we go along, for anyone that wants to speak on the issue of subsidy, I am giving the leeway even though it would fall on the sword of relevance, and may not be relevant to be talking about subsidy on another motion. But you can go ahead to talk about subsidy after talking about the issue at hand,” he said.

Resolutions

The House resolved to commend Tinubu’s courage and boldness to serve the country with honesty and integrity.

The House appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, resilient and prayerful so that the president can deliver on his promises.