Edo announces palliatives to cushion fuel subsidy removal

The Edo State Government on Thursday announced palliatives to cushion the recent increase in the price of the pump price of petrol from N65 to N97.

The state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, in a statewide broadcast on Thursday, said the palliatives will include abolition and slashing of fees secondary and higher institution students.

Oshiomhole said the palliatives would also be felt in the area of healthcare and transportation.

The governor said that there was the need to rebuild trust between the people and the government, adding: “Having followed the debate on the issue of subsidy removal, it is clear to me that the major problem is that the public does not trust that the proceeds will be utilized judiciously.

“However, I assure you that in Edo State, this will not be the case. We are determined to ensure that the pains arising from the partial removal of subsidy translate to concrete gains for the generality of our people.

“I am convinced that the process of rebuilding this trust between the government and the governed requires that we take concrete, visible and measurable steps aimed at creatively using the accruing revenue to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of our people in the shortest possible time.

“Therefore, although we have not yet ascertained the precise accrual to Edo State from the Federation Accounts as a result of the reduction in the subsidy on petrol, I am conscious of the need for immediate measures to alleviate the effects of the consequential escalation in the cost of living.”

Among other things, the state government announced the abolition of all fees and levies, including that of the Parents/Teachers Association, in all public senior secondary schools for both indigenes and residents, adding that the government will continue with its policy of free education at the primary school level and for students of Junior Secondary Schools.

For the state-owned university, Oshiomhole ordered the authorities of the Ambrose Ali University to reduce tuition fees payable by each student by N15,000 for regular undergraduate students irrespective of state of origin and N5,000 reduction in fees payable by each part-time undergraduate student, adding: “The total value of this reduction will be paid to the University by the Edo State Government en bloc in addition to the current N210 monthly subvention. This effectively means that the AAU will not suffer any loss of revenue.”

There will also free medical treatment for pensioners and senior citizens above 70.

The Edo City Transport Services was also directed in the speech to introduce a 50 per cent subsidy on transport fares for public and private primary school pupils and secondary school students in uniform to and from school.

This is to take effect from February 1, 2012.