Fellow Nairalanders, I know some of you will ask for my head when I proclaim that: There nothing wrong with removal of the oil subsidy. The problem lies on GEJ who could not sell it to Nigerians politically well and Nigerians are the problem for continuously giving in to absolute arrogance of politicians. Why do we think Dr. Iweala has some kind of foreign agenda? Why do we even listen to these corrupt heartless criminals, who served in previous governments in this country that violated our youths and subjected us to international ridicule??
The fact that all the neighboring countries to Nigeria (Ghana, Cameron, Benin, Niger) removed their own subsidy at the same time Nigeria removed hers, should tell you something.
These countries have been benefiting from Nigerian oil subsidy, because the politicians who receive these subsidies have simply transported our oil across the border to sell for huge profit margins, to our detriment!
If oil were to become cheaper in these countries and more expensive in Nigeria, the illegal trade will tilt to Nigeria's favor! This is the simple reason they removed their subsidies!!
My people, think about it, please think about it, what has this government and previous governments done for us with the so called oil money. This will finally wrest power from the cabal. We just have to use the opportunity well and to our favor. We don’t expect Dr. Iweala to run around Unclad in the streets and tell us that this is “our time”. Like a previous writer wrote here, only a few years ago did she open our eyes to the power that lies within us, the youth of Nigeria.
Like I said, the true problem here is GEJ and how he sold the idea to Nigerians. Politicians in this country are used to taking Nigerians for granted. Once you win an eection, you automatically become a “demi” God! I am a Nigerian professional living in the US (although I visit home, several times every year) and I know that in developed countries, politicians know very well that power belongs to the people.
We have thrown ourselves to the floor to these people and they have taken advantage of us over the years. This is why the politicians, the police, the army, and several other public institutions paid from our money continue to abuse and disrespect Nigerians.
Now back to basics: This is why I think GEJ is the problem and that removal of oil subsidy is not necessarily bad.
This is what I would have done if I were President (what GEJ should have done if he valued the people he serves):
Since a large amount of revenue is going to accrue to the Federal and State Government over time from the removal of the subsidy, he could opt to borrowing money for some of these:
1. First embark personally on a massive public enlightenment. He enjoys the goodwill of the people and he refused to use it, when it mattered most. This should have taken him in a campaign style public gathering with his economic ministers, in each state across the country. He should have held such gathering at least twice in each State, in addition to massive enlightenment programs on TV, Newspapers and flyers. This would have been a forum to explain to Nigerians why it is in their interest to remove the subsidy. He should have used these forum to provide us with verifiable facts, numbers and educate Nigerians on the economic benefits.

2. Begin massive construction of a new high way system in the country (similar to what is in some Western Countries, called Turnpikes), that will connect, the Eastern, Western ,Northern and Southern parts of the countries, with toll gate systems ( necessary for long term independent maintenance). This will create new jobs and economic development.
3. Repair and Upgrade all major existing Highway systems in Nigeria, which will still continue to be Toll free and mandate all the governors to do same.
5. Begin construction of a new high tech railway system that connects the major economic hubs in Nigeria. This will provide alternative transportation for those who cannot afford to buy petrol at the post-subsidy rate.
6. Build at least 4 major modern hospitals, run by foreign trained physicians (and experienced local doctors) that will stop the tide of Nigerians going to India and other foreign countries for medical treatment. These hospitals will be "paying" hospitals that will charge for services similar to what Nigerians currently pay abroad but giving us the option to receive high quality medical treatment here in Nigeria and help Nigeria develop its own medical tourism. In addition, they will serve as training centers for teaching hospitals and other hospitals across the country and a model to create similar quality across the country. The hospital will be "paying" hospitals and independently run, without government interference for long term sustainability.
7. Ensure that his promise of providing uninterrupted electricity is met.
All of these infrastructure development will improve the quality of lives of Nigerians, lead to new economic opportunities, create jobs and prove to Nigerians that it will not be business as usual. He would have to show us that the subsidy money is not merely being transferred from one pocket to another. Dissuade Nigerians from thinking that this is another IMF/World Bank agenda, as is currently being peddled by corrupt politicians, who want to use this opportunity to get the attention of Nigerians.
It should only be after he has began and probably completed some of these projects (maybe in the next 6 months) that he would have introduced the removal of the subsidy.
Nigerians are no fools. We like good things of life and we know good things when we see it and we are ready to pay for it or sacrifice for it.

Now that the oil Subsidy is removed, what is the way forward?
Nigerians are doing the right thing by protesting.We have kept quite for too long. Freedom and good governance comes at a price. Freedom is not given freely; you have to demand for it. We have seen it in the “Arab Spring” We should use this opportunity to tell these corrupt politicians that "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"
GEJ should be made to understand that we are no fools.
He should roll back the subsidy and begin to seriously show us how the money from the subsidy will be used, by implementing some of these measures above or any other measures he deems fit, that will create jobs, bring about economic development and rebuild our dilapidated (non-existent) social infrastructure.
This is the time for us to re-visit how our government is being run.
Time to review the massive amount of money spent on lawmakers in this country. How much is their pay package compared to our national GPD? Why is politics the highest paying job in Nigeria: Only in Nigeria!
It is time for government to know that Nigerians demand (and deserve) transparency. Transparency on how much government earns, how government money is spent, how contracts are awarded and to whom.
It is time for us to say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"
We are the architects of our own future; we should not let this opportunity slip by!! It is time to take to the streets and remain in the streets until change arrives.
FYI: I have returned to Nigeria to join in this fight.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!