I know some people are going to massacre me for this, but as I sat in the office waiting for a free ride home, I ask myself: "apart from fuel subsidy, which other dividends of democracy can our governments over the years legitimately claim to have given the masses?".
It is what makes the planned removal of this same subsidy both unimaginable and unaccpetable. The govertment of course have given reasons why it makes sense to take this step, yet it smacks of double-standard to do this when there are a plethora of avenue where governments can source for funds.The issue of the overbloated cabinets have been overflogged and therefore needs no revisiting, but over and above all these is the issue of our refineries not working. The same reasons being given by this government were given by past administrations, yet none of them was able to solve the main issue. Of course we will continue to look at trivial issues instead of focusing (and of course solving the key issue).
And I have long decided: I will NEVER find an excuse for any politican. None of them deserves it. They are living in so much affluence that they should be able to come uo with more workable solutions to our numerous challenges. And removal of fuel subsidy is only going to make more money available to the governments to share and embezzle. Of course it means exchange rate (and by implication, inflation) will go up. Prices of foodstuff, rent, bus fares etc will increase in astronomical proportions. It is only a theory, but then it is backed by antecedents.
It is something we cannot afford at this time people are groaning in pain.