GOVERNANCE DEVOID OF EMPATHY: CASE-STUDY OF THE REMOVAL OF FUEL SUBSIDY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines Governance devoid of empathy: Case-study of the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria. Nigerians have enjoyed fuel subsidy over the years. The subsidy has helped the down-trodden quite enormously to actually procure what would have ordinarily gone beyond their reach. However, it was argued then that only a handful of burgoise were pocketing the largesse. The removal of subsidy has brought about unbearable hardship on the populace. Many can hardly feed. Transport fare is on the high side, just as fees of schools have been hiked. Removal of subsidy has pauperized the upper class, impoverished the middle class and pushed the lower class to utter penury and ruin. Those with two cars have sold one, some with just a car have disposed what they have to procure motorcycle. Life itself have become unbearable for quite a considerable percentage of the populace. There are several cases of attempted and real suicide, ostensibly because of financial straits that have succeeded in making life unbearable for them. Cost of goods and services have gone hay-wire, far beyond the possible reach of the “commoners".