ADA Spokesman Urges Tinubu to Review Fuel Subsidy Removal
AKURE
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) Hon. Leye Igbabo has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy has imposed severe economic hardship on ordinary Nigerians.
Igbabo made the call on Thursday while speaking on AM Cafe, a breakfast programme on Viral 98.5FM.
He acknowledged that the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, may have produced some positive results at the macroeconomic level, but said their impact on the living conditions of Nigerians remained a major concern.
According to him, the government should take measures to reduce the hardship experienced by citizens and ensure that economic policies translate into tangible benefits for the majority of the population.
“I am not going to argue too much about the effects of the subsidy removal or other reforms. It may have impacted the economy at the macroeconomic level, leading to improved foreign reserves,” he said.
“But my concern is the adverse effect on ordinary Nigerians who form the majority of the population for whom government ought to be operated. The pain may have been unintended but something must be done to ameliorate the agonizing situation.”
Igbabo also faulted the timing of the subsidy removal, arguing that the administration should have taken time to study the policy and its likely consequences before implementing it.
He said the difference between campaign promises and the realities of governance should have informed a more cautious approach to major economic decisions.
“There is a huge difference between campaign promises and the reality of governance. The President promised to make electricity available to the people and he must have meant well. But the reality dawned on him when he got to office and realized it was easier said than done,” he said.
“I am not saying subsidy should not be removed, but it ought not to have been removed on day one without first-hand information. That was where the problem emanated.”
The ADA spokesman therefore called on President Tinubu to reconsider the policy and develop a more sustainable approach that would protect citizens from further economic hardship.
He also questioned whether increased allocations to state governments since the subsidy removal had resulted in corresponding improvements in the welfare of citizens.
“As it is today, the subsidy removal is just like taking it away from one set of saboteurs and handing it over to another set of saboteurs. Money going to the states has tripled. But are the states using the increased funds for the benefit of their people?” he asked.
Igbabo specifically cited Ondo State, questioning whether the additional revenue accruing to the state had significantly improved the living conditions of its residents.
He also criticised the appointment of a large number of political aides by the state government, questioning the value such appointments had added to public service.
He urged the Federal Government to review the subsidy policy and ensure that resources saved from the removal are effectively deployed to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
