Kingsley Kanayo
Former governor of Lagos state, now National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked for the immediate removal fuel subsidy.
Tinubu who made the demand while speaking yesterday in Kaduna at the 10th memorial anniversary of late Dr. Bala Usman, a politician, and former lecturer with Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria, Tinubu said that fuel subsidy came with “many demons”
Tinubu said, “In a perfect world, I wish we could sanitize the subsidy regime and thus continue with it.
“However, I have reached the conclusion that there are too many demons in the system for that hell to be turned into heaven.
“It is better that we remove it, not for the austere purpose of saving money but to use the money more wisely that we might better save the people. Let us begin a process of a thoughtful, but decisive subsidy phase-out.
“While this is occurring, we should simultaneously phase in social programs benefiting the poorest, most vulnerable among us.
“Programs such as transportation subsidies, school feeding, improved basic medical care and coverage for the poor, and potable water projects are some of the things that can be done with the same funds.
“This way we can undertake this massive expenditure confident that the fruits will go to the hungry, not the already too well fed.
“End the fuel subsidy. Subsidize the people instead – Subsidize the people instead!”.
It will be recalled that in 2011, Tinubu’s party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) vehemently opposed the Jonathan administration over the removal of fuel subsidy by that regime.
READ: ACN Kicks Against Petroleum Subsidy Removal
Earlier in his welcome address, Malam Nasir El-Rufai extolled the late historian, saying, “He cared about ordinary people and spent his life fighting for the common man.
“He gave everything he had, his intellect, his resources to advance the life of the downtrodden in Nigeria, this is why we are very proud of him.”
Bala Usman was the Head of Department (HOD), history, at ABU in the early 70s, and was later appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the administration of former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa in between 1979 and 1981.
Also present at the gathering were Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, Katsina state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Osun state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi among others
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