Tinubu calls for immediate removal of fuel subsidy

National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for immediate removal of the fuel subsidy by President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Tinubu, there are too many demons in the subsidy system for hell to be turned into heaven. “It is better that we remove it”. He stated this in his keynote address to the 10th memorial anniversary of late Bala Usman, a politician, and former lecturer with Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, in Kaduna yesterday.


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, “What I have said here is more than talk. It is a call to action.” 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 the late 70s.

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 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.

“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. “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!”

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,” he said. Present at the occasion were Governors Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II among other dignitaries.