Rep Martins Esin Chairs Discourse On Post-Subsidy Era, Bags Award, As Journalists Brainstorm At Federated Chapel’s Symposium

– John Ntekim

Esin who represents Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency in the National Assembly was Chairman at the 2023 s
Symposium hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Federated Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists in Uyo on Friday.

In his synopsis which preceded the panel discussion on ‘Navigating the Socio-Economic Challenges of Post-Subsidy Era in Akwa Ibom State’, the lawmaker said petroleum subsidy was fast sinking the Nigerian economy, as government had to borrow to fund the subsidy and the nation’s budget, including recurrent expenditures.

“Subsidy had become a cesspool of corruption, creating billionaires out of a few petroleum marketers at the expense of the generality of Nigerians. Whatever ordinary Nigerians enjoyed as subsidy paled into insignificance when viewed against the backdrop of millions of dollars which went into private pockets in the guise of subsidy payments.

“In 2021, subsidy cost us ₦1.57 trillion and between January and May 2023, the nation coughed out ₦1.27 trillion to fund subsidy. It was obvious if we continued with subsidy, we would never have private refineries; we would never have a productive economy; we would never have world class infrastructures and most importantly, we would have ended up not having a country. Our nation was already trapped in an endless cycle of debts,” he said.

He however described the post-subsidy era as a sensitive but temporary phase in Nigeria’s socio-economic history, adding that notwithstanding the rising poverty, inflation and loss of jobs that have trailed the development, the resultant economic growth will be there for all to see.

Esin further assured the media professionals at the event of the resolve of the House of Representatives to continue to push for the welfare of Nigerians.

He maintained that, “The recent rejection of a proposal by the Nigerian Navy for the purchase of a yacht and the re-direction of the funds towards student loan is a testament to the commitment of the House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen to ensuring the welfare of Nigerians in this post-subsidy era.”

Alluding to the extensive social investment schemes of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and similar initiatives taken by the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration of Akwa Ibom State to ameliorate the sufferings of citizens, Rep. Esin commenced the panel discussion by posing questions pertaining to what more roles the government and citizens in the state should play in navigating the challenges occasioned by the removal of subsidy.

The parliamentarian was however honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Federated Chapel on account of his sterling performance in public service.

The event which was declared open by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi was attended by other guests and resource persons including the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk, wife of the first Indigenous Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State Mrs Funmi Idongesit-Nkanga, Founder Kenyon International West Africa, Dr Victor Ekpenyong, Regional Editor Premium Times Newspaper, Mr Cletus Ukpong, State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko McDon, National Public Relations Officer of PENGASAN, Mr Kings Udoidua, Founder of StartInnovation Hub, Mr Hanson Johnson, among others.

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