OPINION: FASHOLA’S PROPOSAL FOR INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF AND TO TAP INTO PENSION FUND FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
I read last night the proposal of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing to take advantage of the N5 trillion Pension fund for the purpose of investing in the power sector and this informed my decision to share my thought on this matter.
In my view, ex-Governor Fashola has great love for Nigeria and he has strong believe in the Nigerian project – so does his colleagues in President Buhari’s cabinet.
Therefore, rather than using the savings of Nigerians meant for ‘rainy days’ for this moonshot project, the honourable minister and his colleagues should express their impassioned love for Nigeria by donating their salaries and allowances for the next four years as a sacrifice for ensuring stable power supply for the Nigerian populace.
Bearing in mind the harsh economic conditions in the country, our National Executives should lead by example by sacrificing their pay (since inauguration down to expiration of tenure) for the betterment of the lives of the good people of Nigeria. Their salaries may be refunded later but there has never been a time for this huge sacrifice than now.
By this act, a strong message will be sent to the mafias and saboteurs in the power sector and the result will be increased power supply then electricity tariff can be increased.
Our ministers should take a cue from Brazil where ministers had to cut their salary so unemployed youths could be employed out of unmatchable love for their country.
I draw the curtain here. Thank you.
Evangelist James Olatinwo
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