Living in a rural Georgia town perhaps clouds your understanding of the issues confronting Nigeria.

Corruption in the oil industry is the real culprit and GEJ has to confront it. Jacking up the price of petrol by over 100% is a shallow approach that will result in unnecessary suffering and impact on economic activity. Too many small businesses, people living on the margins, rural dwellers and urban low income earners, will bear the full brunt of a sudden jump in petrol prices.

Responsible governments do not act this way. Gradual removal of subsidy spread over 5 yrs while developing mass transit and other infrastructures is a smarter approach. Right now, power supply is now in the back burner with all these palaver on oil subsidy removal

Asking someone on N20, 000 per month to bear the pain while N1 billion will be spent on feeding GEJ and his family, underscores the folly of leadership in Nigeria.

Another example of ignorance, calling Lithonia a rural part of Georgia, enough of your glaring misguidance, and talking about predicaments, how much have you contributed to the Nigerian economy? You made reference to someone earning 20,000 naira per month, why didn't such a person protest the condition of the refineries or the fact that there's too much corruption, why wait till it hits home before doing something? The answer is simple, most Nigerians are guided by this simple philosophy: If it doesn't affect me, then wetin come be my own. A philosophy that got us to this very predicament, why must we wait till the removal of fuel subsidy before protesting, we watched the government continue to steal billions of naira and infrastructure and basic ammenities such as electricity and security dwindle down, nobody said anything but now because everyone is hooked on fuel, there's an uproar! Nigeria is one messed up country and unless true deregulation happens, it will continue to be an hell hole for the poor and a fountain of wealth for the rich, the choice is yours, support deregulation or continue with the way things have been for the past few decades, no infrastructure, no stable form of electricity and definitely no security, enough said!

^^
Be quiet, little one

abbey621:

Another example of ignorance, calling Lithonia a rural part of Georgia, enough of your glaring misguidance, and talking about predicaments, how much have you contributed to the Nigerian economy? You made reference to someone earning 20,000 naira per month, why didn't such a person protest the condition of the refineries or the fact that there's too much corruption, why wait till it hits home before doing something? The answer is simple, most Nigerians are guided by this simple philosophy: If it doesn't affect me, then wetin come be my own. A philosophy that got us to this very predicament, why must we wait till the removal of fuel subsidy before protesting, we watched the government continue to steal billions of naira and infrastructure and basic ammenities such as electricity and security dwindle down, nobody said anything but now because everyone is hooked on fuel, there's an uproar! Nigeria is one messed up country and unless true deregulation happens, it will continue to be an hell hole for the poor and a fountain of wealth for the rich, the choice is yours, support deregulation or continue with the way things have been for the past few decades, no infrastructure, no stable form of electricity and definitely no security, enough said!

Ever heard the phrase 'pushed to the wall'? It seems the populace has been pushed to the wall, and are 'fighting' back, or about to as it were. It's a poor arguement to keep asking "why didn't you fight all this while that you were pushed, why fight when you got to the wall?". Trust seems the main issue here, the government has lost trust. There's no guarantee that the 'subsidy money' would be rightly used as proposed on paper. Security issues, naira drop, bad roads, poor electricity, open bribe&corruption, reckless power play etc have created a sort of boiling point. Do you now understand?

Ever heard the phrase 'pushed to the wall'? It seems the populace has been pushed to the wall, and are 'fighting' back, or about to as it were. It's a poor arguement to keep asking "why didn't you fight all this while that you were pushed, why fight when you got to the wall?". Trust seems the main issue here, the government has lost trust. There's no guarantee that the 'subsidy money' would be rightly used as proposed on paper. Security issues, naira drop, bad roads, poor electricity, open bribe&corruption, reckless power play etc have created a sort of boiling point. Do you now understand?

Thanx bro. Looks like our friend in Georgia's not been home for sometime. Though I'll agree with him on some very important issues he did raise (and of course, WE ARE ALL CULPRIT). Some issues for another day's discussion. Right now we have to stay focused.

Ever heard the phrase 'pushed to the wall'? It seems the populace has been pushed to the wall, and are 'fighting' back, or about to as it were. It's a poor arguement to keep asking "why didn't you fight all this while that you were pushed, why fight when you got to the wall?". Trust seems the main issue here, the government has lost trust. There's no guarantee that the 'subsidy money' would be rightly used as proposed on paper. Security issues, naira drop, bad roads, poor electricity, open bribe&corruption, reckless power play etc have created a sort of boiling point. Do you now understand?

You make a good point! Trust is the main factor, I pity GEJ because he's really trying to do the right thing but the lack of trust between the populace and the government is what's fueling this chaos! I was never a supporter of GEJ and personally I feel like he's too soft but looking at things from the economical point of view,removal of fuel subsidy makes sense, I just wish there was a way that he could lessen the hardship like regulating the price back to 100 naira instead of 140.

Lets get this clear, I am not in support of the way the fuel subsidy was removed. I think that the government had better options (eg cutting waste first starting with the  N1billion food bill etc). But that doesn't mean that Nigerians should be MISLED by ANY side.

I went in search of the facts and found that some of the minimum wages listed here are wrong and misleading. Check out;

(i) Saudi Arabia has no minimum wage

Quote
By royal decree, an eight-hour day and 48-hour week are standard. It is reported that domestic workers labor up to 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Labor regulations require protection from hazard and disease for employees except farmers, herdsmen, domestic servants, and family-operated business employees. Labor outdoors is prohibited when the temperature exceeds 50°c (122°f). Foreign workers report that these regulations are seldom enforced. With the consent of parents, children may work as young as 13, and children rarely work in Saudi Arabia outside of family businesses. There is no minimum wage.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Saudi_Arabia.aspx

(ii)  Venezeula's minimum wage is N54,000 ($360) and not N95,639

Quote
Venezuela's minimum wage will rise by more than 25%, President Hugo Chavez has announced.
Workers will get a 15% increase from 1 May, and then a 10% rise in September bringing the monthly salary to the equivalent of $360 (£220).
Some sectors had asked for a much bigger rise with inflation rate at 27%.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13194440

(iii) Kuwaiti minimum wage is N70,400 ($440) not N161,461

Quote
On February 21, 2008, the parliament approved a 120 dinar ($440) monthly pay rise for nationals in the public and private sectors after inflation hit 7.3%, a 15-year high

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwaiti_minimum_wage

(iv) Iran's minimum wage is N48,480 ($303) not N86,585

Quote
Iran's Minimum Wage is the lowest amount a worker can be legally paid for his work. Most countries have a nation-wide minimum wage that all workers must be paid.
Iran's minimum wage is 3,030,480 Iranian rials per month (approximately US $ 303 per month)

(v) Qatar's minimum wage is Nil (No minimum wage) so the figure of N101,250 is wrong

Quote
While Qatar's labor law provides the emir with authority to set a minimum wage, no minimum wage rate has ever been set. Qatar's minimum wage was last changed in N/A

http://www.minimum-wage.org/international/en/Qatar

(vi) Algerian minimum wage is 18,000 DA ($237) - N37,000 and not N55,957

Quote
The minimum wage in Algeria is 15,000 Algerian dinars per month for all workers, nationally Algeria's minimum wage was last changed in 2009
http://www.minimum-wage.org/international/en/Algeria

Quote
Starting in January 2012, the current wage of 15,000 DA will increase to 18,000. The tripartite meeting of the Algerian government, the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) and employers approved the measure announced Friday (September 30th) by Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia.

http://magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2011/10/05/feature-04

(vii) Minimum wage in Libya is $118 per month which is N19,000 and not N23,183

Quote
Minimum wage150 LYD per month ($118)Average wageThe average monthly gross earnings is LYD 190.

http://www.emporikitrade.com/uk/countries-trading-profiles/libya/labour-market

In times of conflict, the truth is usually the first casualty. What is best for Nigerians at this time is the TRUTH from all sides so that we can take an informed decision for the better

The truth is, for Citizens of countries like Saudi, Qatar, Kuwait (GCC in general and yes Saudi does have a minimum wage structure for public sector which is $800) the minimum wage is over 120,000 for most of them (recently though in countries like Qatar and some others, the goverment just announced a 60% increase in salaries). For foreigners (P.residents, mostly indians) it could be as low as $200 for maids and labourers.
However, in most if not all cases for labourers and maids, housing (not so comfy in some cases), feeding, full health cover and transportation are all been catered for. Plus other few irrelevant pluses, tax free and all.

I visit these countries frequently and this info is official +street info, you can count on it.

N.B double standards apply in gulf countries in terms of pay. Citizens do earn a lot higher than residents who are foreigners regardless of qualification especially in government employment. And most citizens have access to many other benefits including long term almost no interest loans.

abbey621:

Another example of ignorance, calling Lithonia a rural part of Georgia, enough of your glaring misguidance, and talking about predicaments, how much have you contributed to the Nigerian economy? You made reference to someone earning 20,000 naira per month, why didn't such a person protest the condition of the refineries or the fact that there's too much corruption, why wait till it hits home before doing something? The answer is simple, most Nigerians are guided by this simple philosophy: If it doesn't affect me, then wetin come be my own. A philosophy that got us to this very predicament, why must we wait till the removal of fuel subsidy before protesting, we watched the government continue to steal billions of naira and infrastructure and basic ammenities such as electricity and security dwindle down, nobody said anything but now because everyone is hooked on fuel, there's an uproar! Nigeria is one messed up country and unless true deregulation happens, it will continue to be an hell hole for the poor and a fountain of wealth for the rich, the choice is yours, support deregulation or continue with the way things have been for the past few decades, no infrastructure, no stable form of electricity and definitely no security, enough said!

I suggest you get off your soapbox and discuss the key issues about this oil subsidy:  

Issue 1: [/b]Govt asserts that [b]some [/b]of the N1.4 trillion spent on oil subsidy is lost due to corrupt practices in the subsidy regime. Why not go after these corrupt minority instead of passing the cost on the vast majority. A responsible government will act in the best interest of the masses and not shield their corrupt buddies in the oil industry. Some petroleum experts and economist still dispute the number put forward by Iweala.

[b]Issue 2: Increasing petrol pump prices will not yield tangible benefits as long as supply bottlenecks (decaying infrastructure, bad roads, lack of power etc) persist within the economy. This is a very counter productive move.

Issue 3: Nigerians do not trust this government to spend any money saved wisely. Anyone that seriously believes this government to act prudently is surely living in cloud cuckoo land. Besides, most of the contracts for projects will be awarded  to their thieving buddies.

Issue 4: This government does not understand the real impact of petrol price increase on the economy.  Did they undertake any assessment of its the impact on overall economic activity and living standard of Nigerians? Sanusi & Iweala (Nigeria's economic brain trust) claim that subsidy benefits mainly the middle class driving jeeps around Lagos. Really?

I suggest you get off your soapbox and discuss the key issues about this oil subsidy:

Issue 1: Govt asserts that some of the N1.4 trillion spent on oil subsidy is lost due to corrupt practices in the subsidy regime. Why not go after these corrupt minority instead of passing the cost on the vast majority. A responsible government will act in the best interest of the masses and not shield their corrupt buddies in the oil industry. Some petroleum experts and economist still dispute the number put forward by Iweala.

Issue 2: Increasing petrol pump prices will not yield tangible benefits as long as supply bottlenecks (decaying infrastructure, bad roads, lack of power etc) persist within the economy. This is a very counter productive move.

Issue 3: Nigerians do not trust this government to spend any money saved wisely. Anyone that seriously believes this government to act prudently is surely living in cloud cuckoo land. Besides, most of the contracts for projects will be awarded to their thieving buddies.

Issue 4: This government does not understand the real impact of petrol price increase on the economy. Did they undertake any assessment of its the impact on overall economic activity and living standard of Nigerians? Sanusi & Iweala (Nigeria's economic brain trust) claim that subsidy benefits mainly the middle class driving jeeps around Lagos. Really?

My friend, now who's choking on the soapbox! You want the government to go after corruption, not knowing that the government itself is corrupt. GEJ is just one man, and in order to really fight corruption, he cannot go after those you talk about because they have the power to impeach him rather he can take away the wastage bits by bits by deregulating everything. Deregulation is the only way to fight corruption in a country like Nigeria, if you doubt that, then ask why EFCC didn't work out, the truth is that corruption is too deep in Nigeria and no civilian government can do anything to wipe it out but they can put in place measures that gives the people joy in the long run. My advice is that most Nigerians should stop thinking about now and start thinking ahead, if deregulation had happened like it was supposed to during the OBJ administration then we would all be enjoying the benefits now.

abbey621:

My friend, now who's choking on the soapbox! You want the government to go after corruption, not knowing that the government itself is corrupt. GEJ is just one man, and in order to really fight corruption, he cannot go after those you talk about because they have the power to impeach him rather he can take away the wastage bits by bits by deregulating everything. Deregulation is the only way to fight corruption in a country like Nigeria, if you doubt that, then ask why EFCC didn't work out, the truth is that corruption is too deep in Nigeria and no civilian government can do anything to wipe it out but they can put in place measures that gives the people joy in the long run. My advice is that most Nigerians should stop thinking about now and start thinking ahead, if deregulation had happened like it was supposed to during the OBJ administration then we would all be enjoying the benefits now.

it seems after all the talk, shouting, teaching, lecture, protest, educating, directing, talking, etc people are doing, you still don't know why people are angry

1. Yes the system/ government is corrupt. In fact the country is socked in corruption

2. Yes subsidy has to go and everyone supports the FG for that

3. Before the removal of subsidy, build our refinery so we would not have this same issue in the future

4. proper security on our borders so smugglers aka the benefit thieves would not smuggle oil

5. Before removal of subsidy , CUT THE COST OF GOVERANCE. An average senator in Nigeria collects more than Obama the american president.

6. Now remove subsidy.

Other things people are protesting for because it was a build up of anger since 1970 and this was the opportunity for a revolution are

1. protest against corruption and the arrest of these people

2. protest against boko haram and killing of Christians/igbos

3. protest against the NEGLIGENT of the Niger-delta

Now what is the point of thinking ahead when there is still corruption and non-accountability in the government ?

What is the point of thinking ahead when the next administration would tell us about removal of subsidy again ?

IS THINKING AHEAD NOT BUILDING OF REFINERIES ? or you think people are stu.pid ?

Is thinking ahead not protesting against corruption ?

My advice for you is to just keep shut if you are confused to what people are protesting against or don't know what to say. thanks

Your sort of mentality is the reason why Nigeria is still where it is today. No light, No security, No shelter, No good roads, No good water, No refinery even though we are oil producing, Total neglect of infrastructure, Total neglect of the Niger-delta, Total neglect of the Niger bridge, Total neglect of people dying in the North, Lack of accountability, Lack of credibility, Lack of industrial growth apart from Oil which the entire country is dependant on, Lack of economic growth apart from the telecommunication sector by OBJ

Your sort of mentality is the reason why Nigeria is still where it is today. No light, No security, No shelter, No good roads, No good water, No refinery even though we are oil producing, Total neglect of infrastructure, Total neglect of the Niger-delta, Total neglect of the Niger bridge, Total neglect of people dying in the North, Lack of accountability, Lack of credibility, Lack of industrial growth apart from Oil which the entire country is dependant on, Lack of economic growth apart from the telecommunication sector by OBJ

You sir make me laugh! You want to enjoy everything without risking anything, you're just like the rest of the protesters who waited till the removal of subsidy before making a sound, it's pathetic and at the same thing funny, I suggest you and the other protesters get your stories straight, if you're going to fight corruption fight corruption and if you're going to fight deregulation, then fight deregulation, stop mixing things up! If you really want to change things, and behave like the Arab uprising, set yourself on fire and let's get the ball rolling, talk is cheap either you go fully in or get off the road. You want the government to build refineries and slash their salaries before actually deregulating several sectors that would into lead to more healthy competitions and greater productivity, what you sir are asking for is the impossible! The Nigerian government that we all know so well has never slashed its salaries and the issue of refineries is being choked by greedy politicians and businessmen who thrive on subsidy and the importation of generators, GEJ is not stupid, he knows that in order to actually accomplish anything during his administration, he must effect change that is hard on the population as a whole but which will eventually lead them to greater benefits instead of tackling corruption which won't do anything but cause more confusion and wastage, if you and the other protesters can't see that, then it's too bad.

goggs:



Lets get this clear, I am not in support of the way the fuel subsidy was removed. I think that the government had better options (eg cutting waste first starting with the  N1billion food bill etc). But that doesn't mean that Nigerians should be MISLED by ANY side.

I went in search of the facts and found that some of the minimum wages listed here are wrong and misleading. Check out;

(i) Saudi Arabia has no minimum wage

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Saudi_Arabia.aspx

(ii)  Venezeula's minimum wage is N54,000 ($360) and not N95,639

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13194440

(iii) Kuwaiti minimum wage is N70,400 ($440) not N161,461

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwaiti_minimum_wage

(iv) Iran's minimum wage is N48,480 ($303) not N86,585

(v) Qatar's minimum wage is Nil (No minimum wage) so the figure of N101,250 is wrong

http://www.minimum-wage.org/international/en/Qatar

(vi) Algerian minimum wage is 18,000 DA ($237) - N37,000 and not N55,957
http://www.minimum-wage.org/international/en/Algeria

http://magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2011/10/05/feature-04

(vii) Minimum wage in Libya is $118 per month which is N19,000 and not N23,183

http://www.emporikitrade.com/uk/countries-trading-profiles/libya/labour-market

In times of conflict, the truth is usually the first casualty. What is best for Nigerians at this time is the TRUTH from all sides so that we can take an informed decision for the better

You're damn wrong my friend! There is nothing wrong with this statistics. I work and reside in Kuwait as i type this. The minimum wage for Kuwaitis is 350 Kuwaiti Dinnar per month and if you check it out, that is equivalent to =N=191, 631. And it will interest you to note that no Kuwaiti pays for housing, electricity, or water. They're all provided by the government and that also goes for other GCC countries. Ask those who resides in these countries before you conclude that those statistics and incorrect and misleading, please. Don't distort facts!

Nigeria is not Kuwait. Kuwait is a country of 3.5m people that produces 2.8m barrels a day. Nigeria is a country of 160m that produces about 2.2m barrels a day. We cannot by any stretch of the imagination afford the things Kuwait can. It is an apples to oranges comparison, same applies to many of the OPEC countries on that list.

abbey621:

You sir make me laugh! You want to enjoy everything without risking anything, you're just like the rest of the protesters who waited till the removal of subsidy before making a sound, it's pathetic and at the same thing funny, I suggest you and the other protesters get your stories straight, if you're going to fight corruption fight corruption and if you're going to fight deregulation, then fight deregulation, stop mixing things up! If you really want to change things, and behave like the Arab uprising, set yourself on fire and let's get the ball rolling, talk is cheap either you go fully in or get off the road. You want the government to build refineries and slash their salaries before actually deregulating several sectors that would into lead to more healthy competitions and greater productivity, what you sir are asking for is the impossible! The Nigerian government that we all know so well has never slashed its salaries and the issue of refineries is being choked by greedy politicians and businessmen who thrive on subsidy and the importation of generators, GEJ is not silly, he knows that in order to actually accomplish anything during his administration, he must effect change that is hard on the population as a whole but which will eventually lead them to greater benefits instead of tackling corruption which won't do anything but cause more confusion and wastage, if you and the other protesters can't see that, then it's too bad.

Dude, you sit in america dictating what the people should do ?

Abeg, if you do not know you right, why not keep quite and allow people who know their rights to fight for their right ?

Ok ! thanks

abbey621:

You sir make me laugh! You want to enjoy everything without risking anything, you're just like the rest of the protesters who waited till the removal of subsidy before making a sound, it's pathetic and at the same thing funny, I suggest you and the other protesters get your stories straight, if you're going to fight corruption fight corruption and if you're going to fight deregulation, then fight deregulation, stop mixing things up! If you really want to change things, and behave like the Arab uprising, set yourself on fire and let's get the ball rolling, talk is cheap either you go fully in or get off the road. You want the government to build refineries and slash their salaries before actually deregulating several sectors that would into lead to more healthy competitions and greater productivity, what you sir are asking for is the impossible! The Nigerian government that we all know so well has never slashed its salaries and the issue of refineries is being choked by greedy politicians and businessmen who thrive on subsidy and the importation of generators, GEJ is not silly, he knows that in order to actually accomplish anything during his administration, he must effect change that is hard on the population as a whole but which will eventually lead them to greater benefits instead of tackling corruption which won't do anything but cause more confusion and wastage, if you and the other protesters can't see that, then it's too bad.

Go back to your Netflix and TiVo, child.
HUSH.