The former General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Frank Kokori, has called on Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu at least six months to revive the economy and address the nation’s challenges. According to Kokori, Tinubu inherited a depleted treasury and mounting debts from the administrations of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
The labor activist criticized the labor unions and civil society organizations for their silence over the years as the nation’s refineries deteriorated. In an interview with Media Talk Africa, Kokori shares his thoughts on various national issues. Here are the highlights!
The current fuel price regime has led to an increase in the cost of living for Nigerians. Is there any hope of relief considering the current situation?
Nigeria cannot collapse. We have been misruled for some time now, and our problem is the lack of functioning refineries despite having democracy for the past 24 years. The labor unions and civil society organizations have been complacent in addressing this issue. Now, just because Tinubu is in power, everyone is quick to criticize his every move due to the conspiracy of his opponents and adversaries.
During the elections, all three principal candidates agreed on the need to remove fuel subsidies. Atiku, Obi, and Tinubu all campaigned against subsidies. It is essential to do away with subsidies, as Nigeria cannot afford to use 90 percent of its earnings to service external debts. The volume of daily petrol consumption has decreased from 64 million to 52 million liters, which benefits Nigeria.
While other candidates like Atiku and Obi also promised to remove subsidies, the argument is that rather than punishing Nigerians, why not go after those involved in subsidy fraud?
Indeed, we are aware of the fuel price disparity between Nigeria and other West African countries. It is unjustifiable to sell fuel for three cents in Nigeria and sell the same fuel for $1.1 across our borders. This has been happening for the past 20 years. However, we can no longer deny the existence of subsidy fraud. The last election was divisive, with people aligning themselves with different factions. We need to move past this and focus on the present situation.
It is important to note that no sane person would support the removal of fuel subsidies until now, when we are faced with economic challenges and limited foreign exchange reserves. Let us give the Tinubu administration six months to one year to make a difference. It is unfair to attack a government that inherited an empty treasury and mounting debts from previous administrations. Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari brought Nigeria to this sorry state. While we acknowledge the suffering, we must also recognize that frivolity has come to an end. The current situation prevails worldwide, with people tightening their belts and conserving resources.
Considering the hardship caused by the removal of subsidies without a suitable alternative, is there any chance of returning to the subsidy regime?
The civil society should play its part in critiquing the removal of subsidies. The subsidies have been removed, and there is no turning back. As an oil industry expert, I am saddened that my comrades in the labor movement and civil society did not fight for the restoration of our refineries. For 20 years, we neglected our refineries, and the government and the people showed indifference. We wasted significant funds on turnaround maintenance instead of addressing the root cause.
Some people are suggesting that the APC seems comfortable with corruption, given the appointment of individuals with corruption cases. Is the APC out to destroy Nigeria?
Personally, I have zero tolerance for corruption. If there are corruption cases against anyone, they should present the evidence. There are investigative journalists and civil society organizations that can bring forward solid cases. Corruption must be dealt with firmly. I was disappointed with Buhari’s abetting of corruption instead of fighting against it. Tinubu, on the other hand, has stated that he is in politics for the people and not for personal gain. Let us give him time to prove himself. We should observe his government for at least six months to a year before passing judgment. He is taking over a highly challenging situation.
What is your assessment of the appointment of ministers?
In my opinion, the number of ministers is too large. According to our constitution, Nigeria should have at least one minister from each state, but beyond that, there seems to be an unnecessary increase. To me, it is an inflated cabinet. However, since both the ruling party and the opposition members in the Senate did not see any issues with the list, who am I, an old retiree, to disagree?
The government is cracking down on billboards with the message, ‘All eyes on the judiciary.’ What implications does this have for Nigeria?
Displaying billboards that threaten and blackmail the judiciary is unacceptable. The judiciary is a sacred institution, and it should not be subjected to such actions. The judiciary cannot be abused simply because judges cannot respond to such provocations. Blackmailing the judiciary is inappropriate and should not be tolerated.
Are you saying that erecting billboards with such messages is an act of blackmail against the judiciary?
Absolutely, how can anyone do that in our country? The judiciary plays a significant role, and its independence should be respected. Just because judges cannot react, should they be subjected to blackmail? No one should blackmail the judiciary. If we had a strong leader, all those involved would be locked up and given severe punishments. We must not allow such actions in our country.
What are your thoughts on the recent coup in Niger Republic?
People who understand the implications of a coup will condemn it. It is disheartening to see some people supporting the coup, even suggesting a coup in Nigeria. Coup d’etats come with tremendous suffering. The military can arrest and lock people up without any regard for the constitution or court orders.
As the former Secretary General of NUPENG and African Oil Workers, I experienced the brutality of military rule. I was abducted, imprisoned, and placed in solitary confinement in a desert prison for four years. The recent concern over the appointment of the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, shows that people only care when it affects their interests. Emefiele, who almost ruined the country’s economy, is now receiving sympathy just because Tinubu is in power. We must not encourage military regimes, as they are detrimental to economic development. Babangida and Abacha both destroyed Nigeria’s economy.
Do you believe Nigeria should draw any lessons from the coup in Niger Republic?
There are no lessons to be learned from the coup. Every coup should be condemned and opposed. The initial support and rejoicing are common when military takeovers occur. Nigerians initially supported Buhari and Babangida, but soon realized the consequences. Challenging military regimes could lead to imprisonment or worse, as they do not respect court orders. During Emefiele’s tenure, he disregarded a Supreme Court ruling that could have alleviated the suffering of Nigerians. We should not sympathize with him; he should be held accountable.
What would be the implications of Nigeria engaging in a conflict with Niger, especially when foreign powers are urging Tinubu to take action?
Nigeria is not instigating a war or conflict with Niger. The threats are directed at the military personnel involved in the coup. We must avoid having a coup too close to Nigeria. It is vital to maintain peace and stability in the region.
