The National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), and former
governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked President
Muhammadu Buhari to remove fuel subsidy without further delay.
Speaking at the 10th memorial anniversary of late Bala Usman, Tinubu said,
with the removal of subsidy, the money can be used to feed school children
with the country’s local products, promote agriculture and create jobs.
Tinubu said there were too many demons in the subsidy system, adding that
“It is better that we remove it and spend the money to save the people
instead of expend the people to save the money.”
The APC national leader noted that if Bala Usman was to be alive, he would
have equally called for immediate removal of the subsidy, adding that,
“What I have said here is more than talk. It is a call to action”.
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 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. Programmes 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.”