Fuel subsidy report: SNG takes Jonathan to court •Warns president on proposed fuel hike



Written by Soji Ajibola, Lagos Tuesday, 15 May 2012
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THE Save Nigeria Group (SNG) said, on Monday in Lagos, that it was awaiting the presidential pronouncement on the rumoured fuel hike before it would determine its next line of action.

Also, the pro-democracy group has headed to court over what it described as delay in the prosecution of the people indicted in the report of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee in its probe of the subsidy regime between 2009-2010.

In addition, the group is seeking the judicial interpretation of sections 80 and 81 of the 1999 Constitution which deal with appropriation and spending from the Federation Account.

Briefing newsmen, its convener and the vice-presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 election, Pastor Tunde Bakare, described the proposed hike in the fuel pump price as rumour but added, “we are not going to fold our arms if it happens.

“If the government takes that action, there will be a corresponding reaction. We are not acting on rumour. I dare Mr President to do it quickly.”

On the disposition of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the probe, he said. “If the EFCC could move swiftly to prosecute sitting representatives over a total of $8,190 (approximately N1.2 million), our people would be outraged if it cannot do the same on the theft of N3 trillion because many of those who were indicted are in the executive arm.

“The House of Representatives report presented to the EFCC reveals myriads infraction of Public Procurement Act, the EFCC Act and the penal code. And just as Hembe and his deputy are currently being tried over allegation of financial fraud, the EFCC does not need extended investigations to arrest all those who received payments in foreign currencies without importing any product. Note that most of the companies and individuals have not denied the allegations against them.