JUST- IN! Tinubu Received UNEXPECTED Message From Atiku Hours After Return Of Fuel Subsidy; SEE Details
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply criticized President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for abruptly removing the fuel subsidy without providing adequate support measures or consulting with the sectors impacted by this decision.
Atiku’ s critique was voiced during the PDP Retreat for Elected Officials in Bauchi on Saturday. He took aim at President Tinubu’ s announcement on Monday, in which Tinubu declared that the subsidy on fuel was being eliminated. This announcement triggered a wave of panic buying and resulted in a dramatic surge in fuel prices, which shot up by nearly 300 percent within just two days.
In his statement, Atiku said, ” I want to make a brief comment on the recent decision to remove the fuel subsidy. During the period from 1999 to 2007, when the PDP was in power, we undertook the process of removing the petroleum subsidy, and I led the committee responsible for managing this transition. We approached the subsidy removal in two distinct phases. Crucially, we ensured that palliatives were provided to those who were most affected by the subsidy removal. ”
Atiku highlighted the experience and approach of the PDP during their tenure. He stressed that their method involved careful planning and consideration, including providing compensatory measures to cushion the impact on the population. According to Atiku, the decision to remove the subsidy under the current administration lacked similar planning and support mechanisms.
He pointed out, ” Our administration had the necessary experience and implemented the subsidy removal in a structured manner. We made sure to engage in discussions with the affected sectors of the economy and offered support to mitigate the effects of such a significant policy change. In contrast, the current approach has been abrupt and lacks the necessary dialogue with the relevant sectors. ”
He continued, ” The way we handled the subsidy removal during our time in office was through careful planning and phased implementation, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable segments of the population. This approach ensured that the transition was manageable and that people had the necessary support during the change. The current administration’ s decision, however, has not followed this methodical approach and has instead led to significant immediate hardship for many Nigerians. ”
In conclusion, Atiku implied that the current difficulties faced by Nigerians as a result of the subsidy removal could have been mitigated with a more considered and gradual approach. He expressed the view that the Nigerian people should recognize the contrast between the current and past approaches to such significant policy changes, emphasizing the value of experience and thoughtful implementation in managing economic adjustments.
